PMR relapse symptoms

I have a lot of PMR like symptoms and my PMR has been in remission for a little over six years. I also have degenerative arthritis, carpal tunnel and degenerative disc disease which I am sure contributes to what I am experiencing now.

I am beginning to wonder what is the definition of PMR being in remission. Is there really anyone who has zero pain after PMR?

Tapering off prednisone, 7.5mg this week. Also taking methotrexate. Torso stiffness an some pain. Not sure if I should increase prednisone or wait it out…
Also all along have had pain around my chest that keeps me from taking a full breath
Im pretty active, gym pickle ball
Any advice??

It took me about a year with a small flare during that time but I became pain free of PMR. I have some aches and pains but I dont think they have anything to do with PMR. I was 68 at the time and 73 now. I believe the 70's make you realize your no longer a kid anymore. I have been (PMR)pain free the last 3 years.

Tell me about your experience with Methotrexate. My doctor just prescribed it yesterday. How long have you been on it? What dosage, etc. Did it help you taper off prednisone?

I can only tell you from my own experience. Doctors say not to taper if you have any pain. Can you tell if your pain is PMR vs other older age pains or sports injury?
Once you feel good then taper .5mg or no more than 10% at a time. You can try to wait it out for a couple weeks. Or You can also try to go up 5mg and see if you get relief. Stay there no longer than 10 days to remove inflammation then you can drop back to 8.5mg.
Once I got to lower dosages of 5mg and below I always felt new type pains which never existed prior to PMR and I do not believe are PMR. I personally believe the prednisone did damage to my bones and joints Had X-rays yesterday so looking forward to the results.

That is great to hear!!

I should say I am not pain free. I was lucky and well educated on using steroids. It took me 3 months to diagnose PMR and then I was on prednisone for 6 months. I was able to taper from 10mg to zero in one month. I had aches and pains for at least a year after. I also had one flare that I treated with 7 day prednisone pack. I have since still been fighting high cholesterol, upper normal blood pressure, upper normal A1C. I may be stuck with those due to age and that was just 6 months of steroid use. I have a slap tear in my right shoulder that has its days. I have a long back so my lower back has always been a weak point. I had a knee replacement a few years ago and I should have done both of them. I had to have carpel tunnel in my right hand. I chipped both elbows over the years and they both have their days. I can still clip toenails on both feet but its getting tougher. I may have gotten lucky again and caught prostate cancer at an early stage. I had it removed. My wife of 51 years just passed. But I get up every morning and go to the gym and try to put on the best face. I do not feel like its PMR pain. That pain was crippling. But pain free? I guess its our golden years we look forward to. Cheers.

I’ve been on it for three weeks now 15 mg every Monday I take six tablets. I also take folic acid during the week when I started. I was at 10 mg of prednisone and I’ve dropped down to 7.5. I have a little bit of stiffness in my neck, sometimes sore nothing like when I was first diagnosed. I have noticed that my rib cage is really tender. I have one more dose of MTX before I see my doctor and see what the results are with some bloodwork, I’ll keep you posted.

I just had a relapse after being in remission for about 3 years. It seems to have come out of the blue. Hit me like a freight train, affecting all of my joints leaving me immobilized. I’m an active 69 year old female. I’ve been back on Prednisone for 2 days and it’s a miracle drug, if you don’t consider the side effects. I’m 6 years older than when I was diagnosed last time is why I think it hit me harder this time but that’s just a guess.