New to this support group.

Welcome @kerrywp, My PMR is currently in remission for the past six years and I do think that diet and exercise play a part. Quite a few members have shared their experience on the the questions. Here are a couple of discussions you might find helpful:
-- PMR Diet: Foods to eat and avoid: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-and-pmr/
-- Working out with PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/working-out-with-pmr/
-- PMR and exercise: What helps you?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-exercise/

When my PMR was active I found that overdoing the exercise could cause a little more pain the next day but it's subjective and I think we are all a little different when it comes to exercise and how much is too much. You mentioned you started 5mg prednisone yesterday but it hasn't kicked in yet. I'm not a doctor but for me the prednisone took effect within a few hours of taking it and took care of the pain until the next morning but I think there could also be causes other than PMR. Has your exercise routine changed in the last couple of months?

Hi John,
Thank you for your welcome message.

I feel like I have been in PT for years. Prior to my PMR onset I was working with a trainer. But once I initially got PMR & GCA - coupled with severe gut issues - I was pretty much out of commission for two years - so body was completely deconditioned- so slowly started PT working on relieving all my fascia soreness (I believe caused by prednisone) and was doing exercises for glutes since I had lost 30 lbs with initial PMR onset..... never gained weight from prednisone.
Last year I attended a supposedly easy class at the gym to get my heart rate up but tore my meniscus and ended up having arthroscopic surgery - which has taken about six months for my knee to finally settle down. Several months ago I started doing upper body strengthening with light weights - and thought maybe that triggered a PMR relapse.

I know what it feels like to train and have soreness the next day or two - but this was constant.

Right now I just focus on my knee and do quad/glute and calf strengthening - since I have had so much pain in my upper
Body - and some recumbent bike cycling at gym.

Btw - about 4 weeks ago my rheumatologist recommend I do a nine day pred taper - starting w 30mg, then 20, then 10. That took away most pain the first couple of days and all pain after.

But once I stopped the pain came back about 3 days later.

Not sure if any of that clarifies my situation that you asked about - or TMI!
I will definitely check out the websites you recommended.
Thank you!!!
Kerry

Kerry,
I have also recently joined the group. I have been up and down with pred 15mg down to 1. I am back up to 5. My wife is a dietician so am always on a good diet, however, I exercise by walking hard 30 min per day 6 days per week and ride my peloton hard, 5 days per week.
I count myself as lucky since I do not have the symptoms that many in this group have.
John

Hi John,
Nice to eMeet you!!!

Glad to hear you don't seem to have a lot of symptoms!!!

I am inspired by what I have read on this forum today - and just ordered Wahl's Protocol diet. I always figured this would come down to no bread ☹️
Also inspiring to hear how many people are working out!
I plan to up my workouts!!!
Good luck!
Kerry

Hi,
I am new to this group and have to admit I’m a bit skittish, I am not a joiner. I have been enjoying reading all of your comments because there is a void in info about PMR. I have been recently been diagnosed 4/25 with a new rheumatologist after being in the care of one who diagnosed RA, and never really told me anything for 14 yrs. Any way I am on 15mg and I will b starting my taper on 6/16. I am anxious😬

Welcome ... no need to be skittish. We all seek information and you never know what you may learn.

It is interesting that you were diagnosed with RA before PMR was diagnosed. Were you ever on Prednisone for RA? I was diagnosed with another type of inflammatory arthritis for 20 years before PMR was diagnosed.

I thought my rheumatologist was changing my diagnosis to PMR instead of inflammatory arthritis. Then she explained how it was "unfortunate" that I had PMR in addition to inflammatory arthritis.

I knew a lot about inflammatory arthritis and Prednisone before PMR was diagnosed but I knew nothing about PMR. I think the more you learn the better it will be so don't be afraid to ask questions.

HI Kerry,
I agree with John that an anti-inflammatory diet helps. I'm a registered dietitian and eat a primarily organic whole foods, plant-based diet, high in anti-inflammatory foods and fiber. Don't forget about fiber--it is probably the most important neglected nutrient in the ultra-processed American diet. Fiber feeds our gut microbiome and our microbes help protect us from diseases-- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/11/your-microbes-you
As far as exercise goes, I do aquatic fitness, pilates, and dance 6 days a week and the only thing that has ever bothered me is using 5# hand weights versus lighter weights. My shoulders seemed to ache at night after using 5# weights. Not sure why, but my symptoms seemed more like PMR pain than after-exercise pain. I've been in remission for a couple of years now, but only had a mild case to begin with. Hope this helps you in some way.
Hugs,
Janice

Thanks Janice!!
I gave up sugar the end of last year, don't eat fried or junk foods - but definitely need
To up my vegetables. I find those the hardest to get in.
I ordered the Wahl's Protocol - which looks like it could be very beneficial - but a drag to give up dairy and grains/bread.
But I am reading the book and will start incorporating some suggestions into my diet.
I would love to do Pilates again - so may give that a go.
Glad you only had a mild case.
Take care,
Kerry

Hello I am new to this group. DX with PMR in December and feel like I am sliding backward and having to increase my Prednisone. I am scheduled for Hernia surgery the end of August and information I have read you should be below 5 MG Prednisone does anyone know if that is correct? I am back to taking 15 MG a day and having significant pain now in my hands, Is anyone experiencing this?

Any info is appreciated.
Boo3

Hello,
Glad to have found this group.

Recently diagnosed with PMR, I may have had it over a year. (Is that possible?) I had lots of pain in the morning but could exercise my way out of it. I kept asking people and doctors if it was common to experience so much pain in the morning at my age. (68)

In March, the pain suddenly became excruciating. I began 20mg of prednisone and had instant relief. In less than 24 hours, I felt better than I had in over a year.

I've weaned myself to 7mg but do have some pain. It is very manageable for me, much less than I've experienced in the past year. I'm extremely active. I run/walk/lift/and babysit my young granddaughter 3 days a week, so never sure if the pain is PMR or from overuse. This worries me because I don't want to discount the pain and cause the PMR to spike.

I have been gluten-free for 15 years and am somewhat on an anti-inflammatory diet now. I've lost 10 pounds. That's a lot for me. Not a bad problem to have but concerning.

More concerning is my doctor wants me to add injections of Kevzara. Anyone have these? I have had stomach issues all my life, including diverticulosis and irritable bowel. She said as long as I don't develop diverticulitis, I'm good taking Kevzara.

Any and all suggestions welcomed.