1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

PMR, there is hope?

Posted by claude67 @claude67, Aug 30, 2023

In Jan of this year, I activated the onset of PMR by over lifting with weights, as I was training. Not smart at 67 years old. A few days later, I couldn't move my shoulders, hips and back and was desperately seeking advice. I was put on 40 mg of Prednisone and it gave me relief. After finding a rheumatologist, she started me on a 10mg Prednisone dose, and decrease 1mg per month. Presently at 5mg and she feels we can beat this. It was very encouraging and I feel way better now. No real issues with any ailments. I just had Hernia surgery last week (due to weight lifting in Jan.) and feel like I'm getting a handle on this.
My rheumatologist, can't guarantee it won't be back but at least I'm optimistic.
Let's all hope that you can receive good news, also. I felt hopeless in Jan. and there is hope. That's what I'd like to pass along.
Thanks and lets hope that others can feel joy again.
Sincerely, Claude

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

chzuck | @chzuck | Aug 31, 2023

You're one of the fortunate ones. I have been dealing with it since 2021 and am still at 10mg with some PMR pain all day. I hate Prednisone. I am convince it gave me "thin skin" where a slight bump gives me a red blotch on my arm and a slight scrap tears my skin and I bleed a good bit. I am currently being evaluated for Methotrexate, but am concerned that I will be trading one evil for another.

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annettetompkins | @annettetompkins | Aug 31, 2023

Sorry you're still dealing with the trials and tribulations of PMR. After two years, I think I'm in remission and dropped Prednisone five months ago. We all hate Prednisone, but my goodness, life would have been miserable without it. I am 76, and my husband is 77 and doesn't have PMR. We both have that fair northern european skin and walk around with scars, blotches and open wounds on our hands and arms. Both of us in survival mode, we draw lots as to who will give the cat her daily pill and risk the resulting disfigurement!

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bradninchgirl | @bradninchgirl | Sep 1, 2023
In reply to @chzuck "You're one of the fortunate ones. I have been dealing with it since 2021 and am..." + (show)
@chzuck

You're one of the fortunate ones. I have been dealing with it since 2021 and am still at 10mg with some PMR pain all day. I hate Prednisone. I am convince it gave me "thin skin" where a slight bump gives me a red blotch on my arm and a slight scrap tears my skin and I bleed a good bit. I am currently being evaluated for Methotrexate, but am concerned that I will be trading one evil for another.

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if it's any comfort to you, I had the red blotches on my arm a couple of years before my flare up and long before I took Prednisone. I read that it's primarily associated with ageing and liver disease. Something to look out for if you take Tylenol type pain killers.

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chzuck | @chzuck | Sep 1, 2023
In reply to @bradninchgirl "if it's any comfort to you, I had the red blotches on my arm a couple..." + (show)
@bradninchgirl

if it's any comfort to you, I had the red blotches on my arm a couple of years before my flare up and long before I took Prednisone. I read that it's primarily associated with ageing and liver disease. Something to look out for if you take Tylenol type pain killers.

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I don't take Tylenol because it never seemed to help my pain.

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bradninchgirl | @bradninchgirl | Sep 1, 2023

My sister also reminded me that thin skin is also a sign of aging. She has thin skin and has never taken prednisone. So perhaps your problem is not that. Have you tried Arnicare jell and cream? It's an OTC and available in most pharmacies. It doesn't hit every kind of pain but it does well on my sore and stiff muscles. Every medication has a draw back you just have to take the best care possible. Enjoy the upcoming weekend and hope for the best.

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