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Off of prednisone, but relying on Tylenol for comfort.
I’ve been off of prednisone for three months.
I’ve been taking extra strength Tylenol three times a day since then. I seem to be able to stretch out my time between doses more than when I started and feel better in general. My worst days are usually caused by exercise, but exercise is also what’s helping me improve.
My main side effect is occasional Gerd. I have days when I don’t need to take Tums and more days when I do.
I am wondering how other people have managed this stage of recovery? How long has it taken you to get off of Tylenol? Or is that something I just have to work with long-term? I am 71 and my knees are becoming an issue.
One weird and unrelated thing that I thought I’d mention is that I had a sudden cure to my stiffness and range of motion issues in my left arm. I had been able to loosen it up during the day, but it was always bad in the morning. Recently, I had a weird and fortuitous sick day in which I seem to have vomited enough to loosen up whatever adhesion had been causing my problem. This was after months of having PT’s work on it to no avail. But I’m not recommending that anyone try it at home…
Anyway, please let me know if anyone has advice on Tylenol management.
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My Rehumy told me Tylenol for Arthritis 650mg
Extra strength is 500.
He told me take 2 up to 3 times a day.
I am quite comfortable with 2 in the morning when needed, I.e. golf, bike, hike exercise weather, etc.
Lucky me, not on any right now.
Hang in there.
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3 ReactionsThanks for responding. It’s great, and helpful! to hear success stories.
The thing that I find encouraging right now is that it’s been taking me noticeably longer to realize when I’ve forgotten to take a dose.
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1 ReactionI have been off prednisone since June 2024. In the beginning I used extra strength, rapid release Tylenol to manage pain. Very good for pain but does not do anything for inflammation so now on occasional days I will use Aleve which is a 12 hour capsule and also reduces inflammation. I do switch back-and-forth between Tylenol and Aleve. I have been able to reduce the frequency of the painkillers as time goes on. Wishing you well.
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4 ReactionsPMR came to me in 2016. I took Prednisone for four years finally able to wean myself off in 2020. I was thankful for success as I leary of all the side effects of taking it so long. Since then, beside the stiffness, aches and fatigue of PMR showing itself now and then, I take Tylenol when necessary which works on pain, a nap every day mid afternoon and a heating pad to soothe various spots as needed. Thus I avoid returning to Prednisone. I am 76 and aware that a body becomes rather creaky with aches and pains as it ages. I also have undergone a close call with colon surgery and wear a Ostomy pouch since 2023, have osteoporosis, strangely bent fingers from arthritis, and am a cancer survivor just this year. Through it all I must say my bright light has been keeping a sense of humor, a positive attitude, a spirit now closer to God and the “universal all”, and stay away from wallowing in “Oh me, Oh my” (thank you Walt Whitman).
We are not alone—everyone has their own set of challenges. I try to not emphasize mine to become one of those that are complaining all the time. Not that anyone here is. This is a helpful forum of comrades in arms. I must say again and again and to myself that I believe maintaining a good attitude is everything.
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8 ReactionsI take Tylenol arthritis. If you are getting gerd, which I did from prednisone, start drinking kefir. I was only having 1/2 c and the stomach pain totally disappeared. Pepcic AC also helped before I discovered the kefir remedy.
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2 Reactions@vjm0223 Thanks! I'll give kefir a try.
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1 ReactionI do not have PMR but temporal Arteritis or GCA. I am so glad to see this issue addressed. I came off Prednisone Aug 21 of this year and pain in neck, shoulder and arm is just so bad. I have been going to Chiropractor with no relief. I find Tylenol does not help as well as Motrin. I try to take once a day but according to everyone I may need to take more often. Will try and see if that works.
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1 ReactionMy neck and shoulder pain came back after I finished Prednisone in August. It was no where near as extreme as what you describe though.
I don't know if this is something that could help you at all, but in my case I was able to find a pillow that worked for me, and tried to sleep on my back until things calmed down.
I had also become so weak over the last year that exercise really helped.
In my case I was sure that the problem was from withdrawal and not a relapse.
I hope you are able to find a solution.
Your question, “How long does it take to get off Tylenol” has me intrigued.
I’m off Prednisone for 6 weeks. My instructions were Tylenol X-tra strength 3 times a day, but I don’t understand why. Is it part of the post-PMR treatment? What is it supposed to be doing for me? She said the remaining all-over pain is due to osteoarthritis, not PMR. I really don’t like taking meds of any kind unless absolutely necessary. No matter what they say, there are always side effects and who knows what it does to the body long term. So I’m only taking Tylenol at bedtime to get a good night’s sleep.
During the day, I’m stiff and slow-moving. Stairs are hard due to hip and knee pain. Is Tylenol supposed to help? Or is it just there to mask pain?
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1 Reaction@noti be interested to know if it helped you.