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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 27 8:38am | Replies (1879)Comment receiving replies
It took over 4 months to diagnose my PMR. I could barely walk. I was so sedentary and in bed for extended periods of time. I even developed a decubitus on my back side. My rheumatologist missed my PMR. It was my PCP who diagnosed my PMR and started me on 15 mg of prednisone a day. Within 36 hours, my pain was reduced by 90%. I took it for 4 months, than began a slow taper off of it. That was 3 years ago. I have not had any signs or symptoms of PMR since then.
The prednisone was not fun, and I developed a ‘double’ colon infection which required a 3 day hospitalization. Even with that, the prednisone was so very helpful and worth the side effects.
I hope you are able to get your PMR under control quickly.
Replies to "It took over 4 months to diagnose my PMR. I could barely walk. I was so..."
Hi @isc, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @fam8284 and others. So glad to hear you got your PMR under control. It sounds like my first go around with PMR back in 2007. It also took me about 3 and half years to taper off of prednisone and I stayed in remission for about 6 years until it reared it's ugly head again. My second time around took me 1 and half years to taper off thanks to learning how to better manage the PMR and tapering here on Connect. I've been in remission now for about 5 years and hoping it doesn't come back.
Did you make any lifestyle changes after your PMR symptoms went away?
I also have diabetes,
gastritis and arthritis. Never mind my eye issues for this communication. The prednisone made my diabetes and my gastritis worse. Not to mention the insomnia! My PCP worked closely with me and adjusted my meds to deal with ^ symptoms. I’ve made some lifestyle changes, but more are needed. I also had Accupuncture. Since my PMR, I have both knees and one shoulder replaced-with 1 more shoulder to go. I’m on the joint a year plan. 1 knee in 2021, and another in 2022. I had my shoulder replaced 5 weeks ago, and I’ll have the other shoulder replaced 8-24. My joint replacements have been easy compared to PMR! I have regained so much function; I’m thrilled!
I’m not as active as I should be, but I also have Small Fiber Neuropathy which significantly limits the time I have each day on my feet and legs. I do plan on going back to my Pilates next fall once my other shoulder is replaced and heals. I’m 71, and am planning on a dozen or so good years once my next shoulder replacement settles in.
You guys hang in there. Keep working with receptive health care professionals. One thing I have found helpful is to put my symptoms in writing with bullet points, and a few numbered succinct questions. I try to keep my writing to a page and a half. Finally ask open ended questions, to avoid simple yes or no answers to complex questions.
Good luck to all of you.
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Hi isc PMR also took months to diagnose for me. It’s good to hear the prednisone worked for you. Sorry you had that side affect. That is my concern with taking it but since you are now feeling better and think it was worth it
it seems like it’s worked out good. Thanks for sharing.