1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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After "recovering" from PMR, still decreased strength/stamina

Posted by garibaldo88 @garibaldo88, May 6 11:06am

I had a relatively brief bout of PMR, all pain gone and inflammation markers back to normal after only a few months of prednisone and sulfasalazine. (Yes, I DO know how fortunate I am!)
This recovery was almost 2 yrs ago, but I have not been able to regain my pre-PMR level of fitness despite exercising just and hard and frequently as before. I'm a very fit 65 yr old male, and I wouldn't really care about not being being able to regain my pre-PMR strength and stamina, but I row competitively so the drop-off is quite noticeable when I'm racing (and LOSING!) against other serious athletes.
Anybody else have a similar experience, or advice on how to train in my post-PMR world?

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gmdb | @gmdb | Jun 5 6:49pm
In reply to @pdxmac "Following a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, protein, anti-inflammatories like tart cherry juice, berries. And also..." + (show)
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Following a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, protein, anti-inflammatories like tart cherry juice, berries. And also staying away from sugar, alcohol, processed foods.
I already did most of these things pre-PMR, but really cleaned up my act in the last couple of months and I believe it has made a big difference. I'm even doing a light version of resistance training these days again. It feels so good!

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Yes, found this type of diet great to combat the side-effects of pred, but sadly hasn't helped alleviate the PMR symptoms. Still having all the blood work (apart inflammatory markers) looking good after 2 years of pred makes the diet very worthwhile.

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Teri | @tsc | Jun 11 1:35pm

I've never regained my pre PMR/GCA fitness or stamina levels and osteoarthritis in my shoulder and neck has gotten worse. I'm off prednisone now, after a relapse of GCA..
I told a doctor friend I've felt kind of crappy the last few years and he said that's common with systemic inflammatory illnesses. He suggested I keep doing as much exercise as I'm able to.
Knowing this has been helpful, as I can put my malaise in perspective, and try to work around my new normal.

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dougschiffman | @dougschiffman | Jun 12 9:25am

Ah, welcome to my club. After almost 2 years of tapering, I have been off of Prednisone for 10 days. I suspect that what I am feeling - fatigue, appetite issues, minor neck pain - as well as the usual issues, such as thin skin and droopy eyes. is the way it's going to be. I have read that cortisol levels may take from one week to several months to get back to proper levels.

As I tell my wife, it could be worse.

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