1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Polymyalgia rheumatica: Any thoughts on my taper plan?

Posted by casinokid1121 @casinokid1121, Jul 13 4:30pm

I am currently on 2.5 milligrams of prednisone. I plan on tapering 1/4 milligram every 4-6 weeks to hopefully get down to zero. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I had a starting dose of 30 milligrams 18 months ago. No significant flare ups so far, thank god.

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pvf1943 | @pvf1943 | Aug 7 5:35pm
In reply to @farnhamlaf1 "My skin seems very thin since starting prednisone. I’m currently on 5 mg I was on..." + (show)
Profile picture for farnhamlaf1 @farnhamlaf1

My skin seems very thin since starting prednisone. I’m currently on 5 mg I was on four but the pain was too much now. I take Tylenol every morning. I’m also on methotrexate 20 mg once a week. I’m very stiff in the hip area and sore around my neck but once I take the Tylenol. I’m able to try and play pickle ball and move around in the day

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When you say thin skin...does that mean you bruise very easily? I'm at 10mg now slowly tapering from 20mg and my arms are mess, very bruised, the slightest bump causes a bruise.

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kpoesch | @kpoesch | Aug 7 5:58pm
In reply to @aussiedogmom "Yes, Im convinced that doing everything I could really helped me. Particularly working out in the..." + (show)
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Yes, Im convinced that doing everything I could really helped me. Particularly working out in the pool, which is a heated, saltwater pool with a max depth of about 5.5 feet. Very helpful. However my rheum wanted me doing weight bearing exercises....but Dr Rheum strongly encourages doing "all the things" in addition to the meds. Im on a low dose of Prednisone and Kevzara. If you thought Prednisone was a game changer, I hope you get my response to Kevzara. If I had to choose between them, Kevzara would win.
Good luck to you.

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I'm on 3 mg of prednisone and have had 4 doses of Kevzara. The Kevzara is starting to kick in I think. Next week I'll taper to 2.5 mg. Heart doctor wants me off of Prednisone ASAP.

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farnhamlaf1 | @farnhamlaf1 | Aug 7 6:31pm

30 mg also now on methotrexate

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farnhamlaf1 | @farnhamlaf1 | Aug 7 6:32pm
In reply to @pvf1943 "When you say thin skin...does that mean you bruise very easily? I'm at 10mg now slowly..." + (show)
Profile picture for pvf1943 @pvf1943

When you say thin skin...does that mean you bruise very easily? I'm at 10mg now slowly tapering from 20mg and my arms are mess, very bruised, the slightest bump causes a bruise.

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Yes an does not heal well from scratches

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pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | Aug 8 7:38am
In reply to @caro45 "I have remained on 5mg Prednisone for over 4 months as when I reduced to 2.5..." + (show)
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I have remained on 5mg Prednisone for over 4 months as when I reduced to 2.5 the symptoms increased so back to 5’s again. I’m hesitant to reduce further however my real issues is the skin with it being so fragile the skin lifts off and wounds don’t heal quickly. Any comments would be grateful.

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Wound care suggestion
I had a nasty laceration with 12 stitches that did not heal well. Went to a hospital wound care center. They dressed it with Xeroform. You need a prescription for it. Worked wonders for me. Do a little research on 'Xeroform and skin tears'. They used rolled guaze, no tape/adhesive on my skin. Keeping the skin tear moist promotes healing. You may be able to find similar over the counter dressings.

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pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | Aug 8 7:48am

I tried managing pain with Tylenol. I was not taking more than the recommended dose. It elevated my liver enzymes. I would be careful about taking too much.

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caro45 | @caro45 | Aug 8 6:27pm
In reply to @farnhamlaf1 "Yes an does not heal well from scratches" + (show)
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Yes an does not heal well from scratches

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It is so frustrating that every little bump or scratch starts a bruise and takes ages to disappear. Around the ankle area is the worse place.

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