Connecting the Dots with PMR

Posted by cheraloha @cheraloha, Dec 3, 2025

Hi, one of the hardest things I find about dealing with this dreaded disease is the unpredictability. My lifestyle and habits are very consistent, but PMR is not. If I could connect the dots and figure out what causes a bad day, a flare, or a good day, navigating this would be easier. My eating, exercise, health habits, sleeping, etc., are fairly consistent, so why do I wake up one day and feel pretty good and another day and feel like I've been hit by a truck?

Has anyone really been able to connect the dots?

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

stonewheel | @stonewheel | 6 days ago

Thank you for your replies, shared stories, shared information, and support. You who have replied and shared reactions, to me and my questions, I appreciate each and every one of you. Most of you have much longer experience with PMR than me. I respect you and your journey. Your tenacity to persevere and your determination to beat this encouraging to me certainly.

I am home, discharged from the hospital after my three day stay, after aquiring a blood clot on New Years Day in my right leg. I was diagnosed with PMR on November 12, 2025, eight weeks ago. I began Prednisone on that day. The hospital doctor added Eliquis twice daily to my twice daily Prednisone regimen. Yes, I was prescribed Omeprazole once a day to protect my stomach lining.
Today, I followed up with my PCP to update him.

Again, thanks for letting me share, and your kind replies, reactions, support and first hand experience and knowledge.

lally | @lally | 5 days ago

In reply to @caroljeand "@lally I have those braces and hate wearing them. Especially now dealing with PMR, it took..." + (show)

@caroljeand My brace is just a fabric with a rigid plate running up the palm and secured with velcro at the wrist. I know my sister had some big, white, heavy, expensive things specially made for her, which she also hated. She just had the surgery. My $18 one from the drug store does the job for me. Your carpal tunnel syndrome may be much more severe than mine.

caroljeand | @caroljeand | 5 days ago

In reply to @lally "@caroljeand My brace is just a fabric with a rigid plate running up the palm and..." + (show)

@lally
Mine is the same drug store brace that you use. I am claustrophobic and can’t stand anything confining. Used it a few times but now I just try to go to sleep with my wrists straight and not pitched forward. The doctor said it could prevent surgery but I’m taking my chances.

Howdy! | @kereno | 4 days ago

I was advised slow and gentle movement is the way to go so I took to the water for movement (walk, jog, move my wrists and arms, shoulders, neck as feels helpful). I am also walking and just resumed tai chi.
I have an oura ring from my insurance company. It tells me I am less resilient and there's a storm cloud over me (indicating stress). It also tells me that I am sleeping well, even if shorter hours. It encourages me to take rest breaks and to nap. Just passing forward some advice I've been given and that sounds pretty darned good.