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PMR and Depression
For almost three years I have been tapering off Prednisone. I am on a cocktail of medication, including pregabalin, tyeene, prednisone, and sometimes celebrex. And yet, the pain is there, always there. Sometimes debilitating, sometimes on a good day tweeks just to remind me it is there. I get up in the morning and go directly to the cocktail that is going to (in an hour or two) allow me to move around with limited pain. I then usually have a few hours in which I get to work and am able to do my job without thinking about PMR. Bur around afternoon and by dinner I am left wondering if I have it in me to make dinner and walk the dogs.
Then I get up and do the same the next day.
My doctor believes the pain is real but insists I should not go back up on my dose. She is, of course, right as I know the downfalls of being on a steroid for too long. I see what ill effects it has on the rest of my body. What is the lesser evil?
Most days my husband treats me like I am an 80 year old (I am 62). He can't help it. He sees the pain and doesn't want me to endure it. Pain is a terrible thing to have every day, and I am becoming depressed. I see a therapist and I am deeply spiritual with a tremendous support system.
Just curious if anyone else feels the same? And if this is addressed in any other forum?
Peace.
Therese
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@bainbridge
All of this discussion is such a lifeline for me. I was diagnosed with PMR 14 mo. ago by my pcp, who started med on prednisone then referred me to a rheumatologist. The Rh had an arterial biopsy done and seemed focused on high single strand DNA results which I am not sure why it’s important. The side effects of prednisone were so bad that I weaned myself off & started meditating 4 times a day and trying to watch my diet. I have also developed prediabetes - which I didn’t know was an effect of prednisone. I didn’t know until reading this that depression was. I’ve been so exhausted lately that I went to pcp again. My ESR was 143 & CRP high so he put me on 60 mg prednisone. I quit taking it after 2 days because my heart thumps so hard it’s scary & I can’t sleep. Now, I’m just taking Tylenol and trying to manage with gentle exercise. But mostly, I’m exhausted & don’t want to do anything - I’m thinking it’s depression. I’m not sure, but hurting every day starts to wear one down. I don’t talk about it with others - I live alone & don’t want to complain when with friends or neighbors. It’s rather a relief to see that I am not alone - sad, because I don’t want anyone to feel this way, but I no longer feel as isolated.
Thank you all for sharing! I wish you well on your journeys and better health quickly.
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7 Reactions@bizeemom what did Drs say abt heart pounding?
@cyndiefromnc I agree, it’s a roller coaster. Hang in there, you are not alone .
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1 ReactionIt didn’t take a year for my depression to set in. The daily challenge of balancing prednisone usage and side effects vs how much pain is otherwise tolerable is exhausting, while life marches on despite my reduced capacity. The only thing that happens quickly in managing PMR is the return of the pain if you taper too quickly, so you increase the pred and in doing so, the speed at which it will damage your other systems. Insurance wants to pay for the cheapest alternative, even if contraindicated, until it fails for you, even if you (and your doctor) know better. Age doesn’t matter because there is no cure: it’s forever once you have it, and PMR hasn’t been studied enough to define who, why, when it will rear its head, let alone how to effectively standardize treatment. Who wouldn’t be depressed? I try to savor the bright spots when I can, Exercise helps, even a little exercise. Family helps, even when we don’t talk about PMR.
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3 Reactions@cyndiefromnc
I'm only months into the PMR and the transition in my life is difficult to adjust to. Spring yard cleaning was always a mixed bag of dread and exhilaration but I was outside yesterday looking at all the damage from the winter storms and it's very depressing to see all the trees and branches down and not be able to get started. It's going to be a long year.
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2 Reactions@kjoed53 hang in there!
Oh my yes, and I finally spoke to my doctor. I asked her if modulating the IL6 pathway was contributing to my mood and she said no studies have been done because of the limitations of treatment. Benefit of living out weighs the risk of treatment-having said that, I tried 100 mg of sertraline and it was overwhelmingly positive feeling immediately. Within a couple of weeks improved vagus nerve, lowered nausea and slightly increased appetite. Getting enough sleep is still a nightly goal. Eating very clean works: no gluten, diary, low sugar lots of fluids. Turmeric, ginger. Pineapple and peppers for excellent joint relief. Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. Please share anything that works.
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3 ReactionsWonderful! I’ve been on 50mg sertraline for years. Haven’t thought about increasing dosage but I’m going to give it a try.
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1 Reaction@tweetypie13 I know exactly what you're saying...telling family members or friends is useless to me no one gets how painful this disease is and robs you of any kind of fun between the pain, fatigue and sadness.. They all listen to me but they just don't get it! A few days later they will come around again and ask if I want to take a walk around town or go shopping....so I just give up telling them and just say no thanks not today. I was diagnosed Feb. 2024 and having a hard time trying to lower the Prednisone to 2.5mg. it's very painful that low. Well thanks for listening and I wish well on your journey...we all understand our pain...Joyce~~
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1 Reaction@joy6808 chronic pain sure does interfere with our relationships. I’ve found relief from herbal teas, Rick Simpson oil and magnesium soaks. Amazon has the deal six 3 lb epsom salt bags for less than $20. It really provides relief. Sometimes all we can do is make ourselves more comfortable.