Just diagnosed with PMR

Posted by kare1 @kare1, May 4 8:24am

So in Dec 2024 after a five mile hike the next day woke up so sore. (Not typical) pain in hips shoulder elbow neck grew until I finally a month later saw a doctor who immediately suspected PMR - my SED rate was only 32 and the CRP was normal, tho I couldn’t accept her diagnosis ( denial!) I tried a chiropractor, went to a hip doctor, did physical therapy. Alas those didn’t work. After 3 months I finally saw a rheumatologist who did another blood test with SED rate jumping to 81. I surrendered and am on 15 mgs of prednisone which did wonders after 2 days! After 1.5 months on prednisone rheumatologist wants to put me on methotrexate 15 mgs simultaneously decreasing prednisone to 12.5 mgs for 2 weeks then another decrease to 10mgs for 2 weeks. Since I am 72 & have osteoporosis he’s very concerned with bone issues and prednisone. I’m curious what folks think about timing of taking methotrexate? I have been told to take it on a day I have nothing planned due to extreme fatigue, etc.
I’ve always been very healthy so this has really blindsided me.
Thanks y’all.

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | May 4 9:13am

Could you ask for a prescription for Kevzara? I think it has fewer side effects than methotrexate.

My brother-in-law has been taking methotrexate for 12 years for PMR, and hasn't had any issues until this past week, when he had a severe flare.

kare1 | @kare1 | May 4 11:25am

From the literature I would have to wait and see if what I’ve just started taking works or doesn’t work before I could try the Kevzara.
When I took prednisone I felt like normal after 2 days.
I’ll have to see how this step down of prednisone & addition of methotrexate behaves!