When I look back over the last 2 and a half years with PMR I think the key for me to having a better daily life has been acceptance. I tried to figure it out, possible and impossible. Started getting a track record. Learned to ask from help from my friends here. I now look at the long term and don't expect to suddenly be well. (can still happen but I don't count on it :). So that has meant taking an earlier retirement than what I had intended, changing to a lower carb diet, not no carb, but lower. I am within 3 lbs of my starting weight. I had had a bad experience with weight gain on a drug before PMR so I was cautious at the start. I am living life as a chronically ill person. I don't expect others to care or really be interested. Week after week who wants to hear about it? I do have a few good friends who have other chronic illness and we are on the same page and that is who I talk with. I go a music and movement class for older women and that has helped. I just started CBD oil last week and I think I have less stiffness. I am living life on life's terms for now and that is making all the difference.
Uncle Mark posted at the beginning of my journey that he felt he was at 50% mentally and physically. I was at that same place. I now gauge for myself what percent my day is and that helps a lot. I am now at 7 and better but not well. I was diagnosed last week with shingles. I came home and laughed, well why not!! The pred I am already taking are causing them not to be too painful. Who knew!?
So be encouraged. You are valiant, learning to live life on new terms. You can be successful and have joy in the place you find yourself.
Wishing you joy in your journey,
Bunnymom
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bunnymom
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Good for you Bunnymom acceptance certainly is key to moving forwards with your illness - you know your limitations and how to deal with whatever’s thrown at you - be proud of yourself. ATB.
Acceptance is key! Going through stages to get there is part of the process. I too, took retirement as a result of PMR. I see it as part blessing, part new challenge and part facing aging with fear and wonder. Exploration, new friends, going to the gym in the morning and living in the slow lane require adjustment. I lost the fight in my belly and the tolerance for b.s. High heels, no botox, evening dates are done! I am feeling vulnerable.
You are so right, acceptance is one of the major keys to getting through this - and lots of things. Not “giving in” as some see it, but “accepting” . It’s also sometimes the most difficult thing to do!
My PMR has changed my outlook on life. I now can look back and see how far I have come since diagnosis. I could not even go up and down the stairs or get off the toilet without assistance. I can now. I can go for walks and am enjoying seeing things I never noticed before. I had 6 months off work (checkout operator) and now back albeit on reduced hours. I feel better for it even though some days I ache a lot. But I can do so much more now and am grateful for it.
I totally agree with you. Seems like the minute I accepted it for what it was, changed my life style and learned to say no and not care what anyone thought, I was so much better off mentally. I have my moments but they are few and far between.
Interesting about the shingles and prednisone. I got a mild case of them and never thought about the prednisone helping keep them mild. thanks
I loved your post bunnymom. Very articulate and accurate. Seems to me we go through stages with these conditions, moving from pre/no/misdiagnosis through to acceptance. Like Kubler Ross's five stages of grief, I have experienced Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.
Now that I can accept that I have PMR (diagnosed May/18), I understand it will be a long-term experience of years rather than months. Being a bit of a control freak, acceptance meant letting go of my desire to take care of this right here and now, which of course didn't happen and resulted in growing anger and frustration. Instead I try and focus on what I CAN control and do in the here and now including diet, exercise and rest. That way my body is best able to deal with the challenges presented by this condition and heal. My mind feels more at peace instead of whirling in panic or dipping into the depths of depression. I too took an early retirement last year at age 55, before any of this happened, and although I still resent, at times, that my retirement is nothing like I had planned, I am ever grateful I did not have to work going through all of this.
Sounds like you've accepted and embraced the cards you've been dealt. Love your concept of living life on life's terms and as a chronically ill person. Now if I could just get a few other folks in my world to understand that concept. Wish you all the best moving forward.
An excellent philosophy and one that I share! You laid it out so well. Continue to enjoy life to the fullest bunnymom. Sorry to hear about shingles though.
Well written and welcomed. Took me awhile to “accept” the new me , and as I travel down this road, I’m sure I’ll be accepting many more things. In an odd way, this disease gives us strength, and courage , teaches us patience and compassion. Thank you bunnymom 👏
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Just been diagnosed with PMR
Acceptance 
