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PMR Flair up From a Virus?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Mar 8 7:06pm | Replies (52)

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@pmrnm

Yes, I am confident that I developed PMR about 10 days after my 3rd Covid-19 (Moderna) booster last spring (April 2022). At the time, I was a 55 year-old extremely healthy and active woman, and about 10 days after my vaccine, I suddenly started experiencing a host of disabling muscle pains, stiffness, fatigue in my hips, quads, glutes and upper arms (bilateral) that kept me from being able to do the most basic activities. I was unable to do simple poses in my yoga classes, I could barely reach down to pick up something off the floor, I could not tolerate siting for more than a few moments, I could barely get out of bed in the morning, and I could barely get dressed. I saw my PCP right away, and of course he was mystified. Long story, but it took over 9 months to finally get a referral and get to "see" a rheumatologist (all my appts with him have been via TeleMed on my phone). In those 9 months I was doing my own research on what my symptoms could mean and that is when I discovered PMR as I had never heard of it before (of course!). I had even had a neurological consult that was negative. After I figured out I likely had PMR I next started researching any connections between Covid vaccines and PMR and I found a couple of NIH articles. As soon as I read those I knew that is what happened to me. When I had my first appt with my rheumatologist, he was reluctant to diagnose me with PMR (since I was young-ish and healthy), asking me about 40 minutes' worth of my medical history, but after I explained everything he finally agreed and came around to diagnosing me with PMR. He started me on 20mg of prednisone with a tapering dose for the next few weeks with a follow-up scheduled in 3 months. I immediately felt relief with the prednisone after a day or two, and over the next four months I was able to successfully taper down the prednisone to my current does of 4mg per day. Unfortunately, I have been unable to taper down any further, and I still have slight pain on this dose, so just this week he has prescribed Kevzara for me. I have been approved for it, but I am waiting for my provider to actually fill the Rx and for me to find out how much $ this is going to cost me with my private insurance. The plan is for me to start the Kevzara and taper off the prednisone, but we will see if that works. He did agree that my PMR was very likely caused by the Covid-19 vaccine (Moderna) and he suggested that I avoid any future Covid vaccinations going forward.

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Replies to "Yes, I am confident that I developed PMR about 10 days after my 3rd Covid-19 (Moderna)..."

I am so sorry to hear how long you have suffered and that you had to make your own diagnosis. Also that you had to wait so long to get treated. Of course it’s great that you are feeling so much better.

If you reread my post you will see that I am aware of the fact that it is very likely that many people have developed PMR from vaccines. I am actually trying to find someone that developed PMR after having COVID 19, not the vaccine which I think might be how I got it. I have found no literature discussing this.

I hope that continue to feel better.

I am also waiting to start Kevzara if I can’t get tapered off of Predisone. I’ve been on 15mg for over two months. Switching the dose to the night made a huge difference in my symptoms.
The cost of Kevzara is high but the drug company has an assistance program that you might want to reach out to. I was able to be approved for full assistance and I have good supplemental insurance to my Medicare.