what a difference a year makes

[Skinnyjonny]

This time last year I was just out of my wheelchair and attending rehab. Today I managed to raise more awareness wearing my PMRGCA tee shirt and completed the Great North Run again in only 1.50 - less than 2 hours for 13.1 miles. Very emotional, very happy ... Thanks to all family, friends and PMRGCA supporters as I couldn't do it without you and you helped me to run free with a big smile again

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done skinnyjonny! Congrats from all of us. More power to your elbow. Wish I could do the same! DorsetLady

[Hidden]

Amazing - words fail me. Thanks for giving hope to many others.

[11caroline29]

Well done. A wonderful achievement for you and an inspiration to me. You should be very proud of the long journey you have come . Congratulations again. Caroline

[susieqleam]

You are an inspiration to us all. Many congratulations!

[Falkers]

What an achievement- very well done. WOW

[robinham]

Well done John. As others have said what an inspiration to us all. Very best wishes. Robin

[Jora]

Congratulations! A wonderful achievement. I cut a steak last week. I rarely eat red meat, but the point was that a year ago, the heaviest thing I could lift was a plastic teaspoon. We all have our personal triumphs.

[fuzzybear]

WOW congratulations. Thanks for telling us - gives hope to everyone.

[dillydally1]

Congratulations. You have done really well. You give us hope that there is a light at the other end of the PMR. xx

[suzieqq]

Wow - what a recovery Can you please share with us what you have been eating? Do you think nutrition has anything to do with getting better from PMR? Thanks in advance.

[Skinnyjonny in reply to suzieqq]

Hi suzieqq - I believe my age, gender & my mad mountaineering friends/family really helped. However, I really believe 3 other things have assisted my recovery - I was extremely fit and active when I got PMR; attending the Rehab Centre, and receiving physiotherapy and hydrotherapy plus stretching on a daily basis; and nutrition - I started Paleo Diet plus I take Spirulina for resistance and energy (this is a personal thing). Hope this helps x

[suzieqq in reply to Skinnyjonny]

Thank you so much for your reply Skinnyjohnny It has been very encouraging. I am actually emailing on behalf of my husband (Peter) who came down with PMR in June of this year. Whilst he is a little older than you he was also extremely healthy. He had to take 40mg pred to ease the pain to begin with (he never had any signs of GCA) He is now down to 25mg per day. How fast did you manage to get off of the prednisone? I am very intrigued that you went on Palelo - I (Maureen) have been on it for some years but Peter started it when he got PMR and we are thrilled that you feel that this has helped you and so has encouraged him to keep going with Paleo. Thanks for the tip about Spirulina -we will check this out and also for the other ways you feel helped you.

[Skinnyjonny in reply to suzieqq]

Hi suzieqq - I was placed on 20mg Pred on 7th May 2013 and quickly got down to 12mg (August) then 1mg per month until December (5mg). The plan this year is 0.5mg reductions every 6 weeks on a phased reduction programme depending on my health. I've just started 1.5mg transition (week after Great North Run). All being well I hope to be off steroids around the turn of the year. Please remember it's not about speed to get off the Pred ... a sensible, safe, healthy approach to enure you don't yo yo with the steroids. Take for now ... and good luck Peter.

[Slayer]

We'll done mate,as a 49 old male it's nice to have someone to relate to,no effence meant to the ladies and the older males.

[Skinnyjonny in reply to Slayer]

Hi Slayer - it's great to hear from another young(ish) male. How are you doing? Do you attend a local Support Group? Take care and keep smiling

[38jf]

Well done, you are an inspiration, I'd like to send a donation, where do I send it? I'm on month 7 now and just feel as if I'm turning a corner, seeing what you've achieved really does mean there is light at the end of the tunnel!

[Skinnyjonny in reply to 38jf]

Thank you so much 38jf. I could forward my address or a quicker way is to visit the Just Giving page justgiving.com/John-Robson8/

[Skinnyjonny]

Thank you so much 38jf. I could forward my address or a quicker way is to visit the Just Giving page justgiving.com/John-Robson8/ The page is still open as I have a rather interesting run in New York coming-up ... but more of that later. "Keep running free with a smile"

[Skinnyjonny]

Some answers to your questions - I believe my age, gender & my mad mountaineering friends/family really helped. However, I really believe 3 other things have assisted my recovery - I was extremely fit and active when I got PMR; attending the Rehab Centre, and receiving physiotherapy and hydrotherapy plus stretching on a daily basis; and nutrition - I started Paleo Diet plus I take Spirulina for resistance and energy (this is a personal thing). Hope this helps x

[mickt]

Well done skinny johnny great achievement ,can I borrow a bit of strength and energy please .!!

[Skinnyjonny in reply to mickt]

HaHa ... I'd be more than happy to spread the energy "Invenium vium aut facium" ... find a way or make a way. I remember the days of pain when I could get out of bed but just hope these small messages give people inspiration. Take care mickt