Connect
Autoimmune changes
I have allergic contact dermatitis, and the allergen being formaldehyde, there hadn't been any way to avoid the itchy rash. But after I was diagnosed with PMR, the prednisone put the ACD to sleep and I was happy to have no itches...until now, when my taper has reached 6.5mg, and the rash is back. Are others finding that autoimmune issues have been hidden by prednisone, but then return?
Another weird development: I had a very unpleasant cold, which sadly I took on a visit to New Orleans. But after several days of cold misery, I realized that PMR was taking a few days off--no pain or aches, despite my violations of getting enough sleep and eating rich and fried foods (it was New Orleans, after all). I can't imagine why this happened but no complaints.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Connect
I had a long history of reactive arthritis with uveitis diagnosed 20 years before PMR was diagnosed. I took massive amounts of prednisone before PMR was added to my list of autoimmune conditions.
Before being diagnosed with PMR, I could always taper off prednisone quickly after remission was achieved. Relapses of uveitis would happen every year or so. Uveitis can cause vision loss and is considered a medical emergency. I was seen quickly whenever I reported symptoms of uveitis.
After PMR was diagnosed I didn't have a single flare of uveitis. I was allowed to take prednisone daily and long term for more than 12 years. I eventually got off prednisone after Actemra was tried.
Within weeks of tapering off prednisone, I had my first flare of uveitis in more than 12 years. Actemra worked well for PMR so I had no symptoms of PMR.
Part of the reason I needed prednisone for so long was because I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders. Prednisone daily wasn't the best solution because I needed higher doses for a very long time. I was elated when I was able to taper off prednisone for the first time in more than 12 years, until I had a massive flare of uveitis and needed 60 mg of prednisone again.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsAh, New Orleans. Imagine living here and trying to eat "properly".
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI experienced a major reduction in symptoms when I had COVID also after a cold. I wondered if my body stopped attaching my muscles & joints & went after the new virus? My Rheumatologist said it was from the NSAIDS (Aleve) I took for the sore throat ect that gave me pain relief.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI agree with your Rheumy.
@pkalkstein I've had a similar experience to yours. I'm also at 6.5 mg of Prednisone, and I find that old injuries resulting from orthopedic surgery in the past (knees, shoulder) are making themselves felt once more. The pain I have from them is different from the PMR pain I had before I was diagnosed. I think that the Pred was masking the pain from my orthopedic history, but now is not. I'm going to ask my rheumatologist if it is OK to use NSAIDS for them.