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Vigorous exercise and PMR
I was diagnosed (again) with PMR in August 2024. I have gotten my prednisone dosage down to 2 mg on 3 occasions during the last 6 months. However, I've had three relapses. I can definitely say the flares happened after vigorous exercise. This is also what triggered it initially.
My kidney function is 3A and I am wondering if there is a connection to my relapses related to slow kidney function. The Prednisone knocks it back, but, I would like to continue with my physical activities.
I had PMR 8 years ago and had been event free until August of 2024.
I am 77 years old and participate in gyms like Orange Theory and F45.
Has anyone experienced similar challenges?
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Everything I’ve read on exercise says don’t overdo it or you’ll pay for it the next day.
@jeff97
These are my feelings also. Genetics and age play a big factor. I am only in to a couple months of PMR and on week three of prednisone so really trying to get perspective on what is ahead and I know that exercise really helps and have modified some routines but from what I can tell my case seems mild but still very real!!
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1 Reaction@ljolly Yes, these are difficult diseases. What dose of prednisone are you on? It's important to take plenty of rest. I have been able to continue running, walking, and lifting weights throughout most of my illness and treatment, but I had to cut back for about a month one time because of muscle tightness and several strains. Those problems seemed to be related to the prednisone taper. But I was on higher doses of prednisone because of GCA, so people with PMR who are taking lower doses might not have those problems.
@jeff97
I had two weeks at 10 mg and now on 7.5 mg daily, In late Spring I switched to only low impact cardio and light weights (2.,5,8) because I had a sciatic nerve issue Feb-Apr. Never had health issue before but I guess I was due at 72. I have wondered if the sciatica triggered the PMR but don't think so now. Seeing the rheumatologist in a week. I feel great and have been keeping a chart of sleep and any aches. I want to discuss GCA with the doctor because of how my upper neck feels but that may just be the prednisone. During the wait period to start steroids I occasionally took Advil and found it better than Tylenol. Constantly analyzing
@ljolly 7.5 isn't bad. You were lucky to miss a lot of the problems associated with higher doses. I started at 60, and by the time I was at 7 I felt like I was starting to recover from the prednisone. I was starting to lose the weight I had gained from the prednisone, and my metabolism was starting to wake back up again. Also my cholesterol levels had come back down, and a weird taste in my mouth had gone away.
Thank you for that feedback. The doctor said he usually starts at 30 so I am glad I started at 10. The tricky part will come in the upcoming weeks/months. Fingers crossed.