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Just Been Diagnosed with PMR
I have been taking steriod medication for three weeks, I have less pain and muscle stiffness. How long does it take before you see a significant difference? Are there any exercises I can do?
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Welcome @cherylpeg, Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with this nasty condition. It pays to learn as much as you can about how to cope with PMR and taper off of the steroids as you can get it under control and into remission. Here are a few discussions that I think will help you learn more about how to manage getting off of prednisone.
-- How to Slowly and Safely Taper Off Prednisone but ... no set rules.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-slowly-and-safely-taper-off-prednisone-but-no-set-rules/
-- Comprehensive Overview Of PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comprehensive-overview-of-pmr/
-- Resistance Training and PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resistance-training-and-pmr/
-- PMR and exercise: What helps you?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-exercise/
-- PMR Diet: Foods to eat and avoid: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-and-pmr/
One of the things that helped me taper off of prednisone was keeping a daily log with my level of pain when I got up in the morning and my dosage of prednisone for the day. Do you keep a daily log or track your pain?
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4 ReactionsWhen I was diagnosed with PMR/GCA, I tried to get out and do a short walk every day. I did as much as my body would let me. I never overexerted myself.
I've been taking Actemra infusions every 4 weeks, since mid-January. My aches have been mild. Mostly, in my wrists and back of my right knee. I have re-gained much of the stamina I had before PMR/GCA. I don't live with the fatigue that I used to have.
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1 ReactionHow much are you taking? I was put on 10 mg/per day and it took me three weeks to be symptom free. Exercise only exacerbated my condition, but there is much variation with PMR. Whatever works for you!
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1 Reaction20 mg for two weeks; 15mg for one week than 10mgs.
No, I have not been keeping a log. Now, I basically have pain when I try to lift my arms, and I have limited range of motion.
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1 ReactionMy Rheumatologist upped my prednisone by 5 mg for two months because I was still in pain in the morning. Then decreased 2.5 mg for one month and then decreased another 2.5 mg. It seemed to work well.