I’m just wondering how old most of you are with PMR

I’m 61, but was diagnosed with PMR at 60 by a rheumatologist. I started with 20 mg of prednisone and have tapered to 6 mg. The condition has affected my endurance (last competitive 5K was in November). I do strength training 3X a week and run when I have less stiffness in my muscles. It has been tough, because I used to run at least 2-3X a week.

My first symptoms started in 2014 at age 57 after my last back surgery (third one). The pain was pawned off as Chronic Pain Syndrome. Since then, it has progressively gotten worse. It was crazy bad after I had brain aneurysm surgery in 2018, and has gone downhill fast since then. Rheumatologist said it was Fibromyalgia in 2017 and again in 2022, and to this day refuses to see me again as there is “nothing I can do to treat you” due to my medication allergies.
My flares were crippling and every time I went to my doc or urgent care, it was blown off as CPS. They would give me a Toradol shot that would give only minor temporary relief.
In January of this year (age 67) I figured it out myself. I begged urgent care to do a CRP test to confirm. He RELUCTANTLY ran the test.
The result was high, and my PCP repeated it and a SED rate. She put me on 20mg prednisone, and it worked.
I’ve had 4 referrals back to Rheumatology but have been denied each time. No one in central Oregon is taking new patients and my PCP has never treated it before. So, I’m kinda navigating this alone. (With the help of this group!)
I have Osteopenia, and am very worried what prednisone is doing to my bones! My last scan was only a few points away from osteoporosis. 😲

I am 78 and was diagnosed with PMR
Almost 3 yrs ago. I was able to taper off and was doing well for about 6 months and as spring allergy season
arrived, I relapsed and have again been on prednisone for 9 months. I have tapered off to 3 mgs but as allergy season has started, I have returned to 4mgs, short term.

I’m 79 and was diagnosed in January’24. I read that some doctors don’t think people under 55 have PMR and many can’t diagnose it. My PCP knew and I was able to see a rheumatologist within days. I was lucky. I’m now on 8 mg prednisone and started at 20mg. So far it’s been ok. I’ve had lots of PT for upper and lower extremities.

I was diagnosed 5 months ago at age 72. I started at 10mg and have tapered to 6mg. I have a little discomfort and treat it with Tylenol

Thank you all for responding. I didn’t expect that. Let me ask another question. Has anyone else experienced breathing problems alongside PMR flares? I’m fina and all the sudden , for no reason, I am gasping for air and I start panicking. if I exercise it can feel like, what I’d expect an asthma attack would feel like. I’m not sure it has anything to do with the condition, just seems worse when I’m in a flare. I smoked for almost 40 years and vaped for 10 and I’m sure that’s got something to do with it.
My breathing problem is another thing that the doctors tell me nothing is wrong with me. They put me through all these tests and say my lungs are fine. I’m starting to think the PMR is stressing me so bad that I’m having panic attacks, but I’m not even sure what a panic attack is

It's very possible that PMR is causing/attributing to your panic attacks or vice versa.... I was diagnosed with PMR after an approx. 6 month period of non stop stress at age 50. Depression and anxiety (anxiety attacks... feeling like I couldn't get enough air and dizzy) started during the 6 month period. The PMR diagnosis was a wake up call as I was told it is caused by "environmental" issues ... which means nothing to me.
The Rheumatologist had/has no idea either = stress didn't help and may have attributed. I'm now down to 2.5 mg prednisone, plaquenil aka Hydroxychloriquine 200x2, and Auvelity for depression & anxiety. It greatly helps. That, and Nurtec as a preventative for migraines. I have my life back. Life is short, please put yourself first and don't stop. You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first. Now is the time, hang in there. One day at a time.

I was 73 after my Covid 19 shot. It has affected every aspect of my physical health and ability to deal with usual aging conditions. It does get me down but fortunately I’m not prone to depression try to loop on the bright side and remember there’s always the hope of tomorrow being better. I’m 77 now and dealing with this day to day.

I just want to tag @staylorrn2000 because of the same problem.

PMR thrives during stress so having anxiety doesn't help the situation. Prednisone exacerbates anxiety too. I don't know what should be done about it but don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor. I don't know how to reassure people but things do get better.

I am 76 but was first diagnosed when I was 71. I have been tapered off Prednisone 2 x after being free of PMR and then getting it again. My longest time free of PMR was only 2 years. It always seems to come back, but not as bad as it was the first time. Probably because I know what to look for and call my Rheumatologist when I start getting symptoms.