Not sure how use site

[Grammajoy]

I am new to this site and not sure how to use it but am enjoying reading other posts about Polymyalgia and prednisone

[SheffieldJane]

Hi Grammajoy,

Welcome! You have successfully made your first post! By clicking the green box on the top right of your screen.There are a lot of experienced people on here who will try and help with your questions. If you want to chip in to a conversation just click reply. No rules, we are just generally supportive in our various ways.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Grammajoy,

Welcome,

Try looking at the Help button on the top banner - as you've already created your profile and sent a post you're on the way.

Just do what your grandchild would do, press all the buttons and see what happens! You won't break anything!

Look forward to hearing more from you.

[Grammajoy in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am facing my second back surgery along with Polymyalgia and other health issues but right now I need to get through my granddaughter's wedding without walking bent over from spinal stenosis so prednisone seems to be the answer. Thanks again.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Grammajoy]

Hi again,

Enjoy wedding. If your PMR plays up before or during you can take an extra mg or two - not sure it will help that much with the spinal stenosis - do you get cortisone injections for that? I know its all cortisone but injections target specific areas whereas the Pred is more general.

[Grammajoy in reply to DorsetLady]

I have completely stopped prednisone because I have osteoporosis and have had vision problems since taking it. I have read that prednisone can cause double vision and driving with it is not a good idea. My neurosurgeon (for spinal stenosis) has prescribed neurontin for pain but I do not do well with pain meds so have not started it yet. I have all the symptoms of PMR again and have no energy . I have seen info on line for all natural bone builder but don't know if is more $ down the drain. It would be so easy to start prednisone again but am really afraid of vision problems. I have just rambled here with no real point but it's great to have so many unseen friends for support. Thanks for listening!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammajoy]

If you have PMR and don't take pred you will have PMR pain. There are no pain meds that work reliably in PMR - if they help it is usually for some other source of pain, not the PMR.

People do sometimes have visual problems when on pred, there is no denying that. But pred isn't half as bad as painted - and in 8 years on it my bone density has hardly changed although I only take calcium and vit D, nothing else. They are all natural bone builders - and can be added to by exercise and supplemental vit K2 - ask HeronNS on this forum.

Is it the pred - or have you got dry eyes? That is common with both PMR and pred and can lead to double vision. Using artificial tears helps a lot.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Grammajoy]

Hi,

Was going to say similar to PMRpro so won't waffle on! Other than to agree - if your pains are PMR then you need the Pred, nothing else will help.

Take care.

[Grammajoy in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks to all. I am sure you are correct that only prednisone will take away PMR pain.