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PMR and depression
Has anyone experienced increased depression and sadness on prednisone for over a year? I am currently on 4mg, down from 20 mg. I have had a few flares and recently had a bout of sciatica. I am suddenly overwhelmed with even simple tasks. I’m an artist and stopped painting to spend more time being physically active and gardening. I’m an introvert but a good listener so people tend to unload on me while I hardly get a word in. Afterwards I’m exhausted. I’ve been on a low dose of sertraline for years. Maybe this isn’t PMR issue?
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@joy6808 after reading this, my first thought is, tears 😭 and more tears 😭. They need to see you down, but not out. Keep fighting.
I shared the following article with my family out of town, and they “kind of got it”.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25215-polymyalgia-rheumatica
As for Pred taper , big Question, is PMR pain or cortisol recovery, or other pain? My Dr said to supplement the Pred with Tylenol for Arthritis, up to 6 pills a day. It helped. 🤞
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3 Reactions@tweetypie13
PS: this is from an old post, but might give you some ideas…..🙏
“When at my lowest, my support group gave me hope and promise, and the view was and is always sunny. My physical savior is my trainer whose specialty is Movement Specialist. She uses her fingers and hands (not massage) to wake up the sleepy spots, TVT (Targeted Vibration Therapy) is the latest technique. In addition, weights, TRX, ball, everything that is my weight based. No machines. Lastly, after 3 months to diagnosis I met an orthopedic consultant (who has PMR) who sent me to Aqua PT….sure makes you feel like living. I was able to take those exercises to the club pool where I live.
BTW: my support group includes all of this fabulous group, too.”
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2 ReactionsI'm going to take a guess that the people who need support the most are the ones who aren't actively looking for it. Admission of anxiety and depression can be seen as a sign of weakness to some, especially those whose inner strength has been something they take pride in having. Am I wrong about that?
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4 ReactionsWhen I began Pred in March 2025 it did wonders for pain relief. But my mental health took a beating. Always healthy (like so many on this site) then hit overnight w/pains blew me away. Pride hurt, shame that I was sickly. Feeling weepy, laying on sofa, feeling unworthy… Finally sought therapy. I had to work out issues. I had an upbringing that seemed to send a message that being ill was not acceptable. Anyway it certainly helped!! I’m on methotrexate & now 3 mgs of pred. I kept walking outside as that’s my ultimate pleasure. I live alone am almost 73, quite an introvert. (I did move to new state 3.5 yrs ago to be close to my one daughter who is providing grandbabies I get to see every week.) (often wonder if I hadn’t moved would I have gotten sick? Stress of moving, then getting hit w/4! illnesses like noro virus twice after babies went to play time at the Y-new germs for me? )
I guess no real use dwelling on this, eh? …mulling over just why did I get this damn condition??
Sorry for rambling. I think I’ve said these things before! 😬
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1 Reaction@kare1 Many of us were taught to suppress certain feelings as children. This most likely increases the risk of a number of illnesses later in life. You might find the writings of Gabor Mate helpful in understanding this connection.
@mark2471
I have listened to him. It sure made sense to me.