Hi there,
I am new to this site and was diagnosed with PMR nearly 3 years ago after my husband died. Thought it was stress! Am down from 15mgs a day to 4, having bounced around down to 2.5, then back up to 3 and now 4! Doc says that in all the 3 years I have only had 2 months where inflammation was normal. Don't know why. Does stress play any part in this?
Welcome jenerino. You will find some helpful advice in here.
Regards your query on stress, I asked a question a while back, have a look at the answers:-
Hi, Welcome! I'm no expert and have not looked at any scientific research on the matter... I'd say YES! From a personal perspective 2017 was a year filled with ups, downs, my brother's death, my daughter's weddings and was generally a very stressful year! In November, when everything was finally back to normal, I was hit with PMR & GCA. Since then, if I have a row with my OH, or get stressed about life or whatever... BOOM! I have a flare. Best of luck to you and if you can relax, relax, relax....
Thank youx
Stress causes the body to release pro inflammatory cytokines. There is a whole area of research in this called neuroimmunology. I would not say stress caused my illness but I have anecdotal evidence that it causes nasty flares in me.
I do a lot of “work arounds” now to minimize it.
I believe stress contributed to the onset of my PMR. I got married, retired, sold and bought a house, and started renovations all about a month before symptoms started. Now, when I experience stress, my inflammation seems to increase and pain/stiffness set in. I do my best to avoid stress, and not stress the small stuff but life happens and sometimes it’s unavoidable.
I get monthly blood tests and my CRP levels are quite accurate, and they have risen at various points in my taper of pred, especially if I taper too much or too soon, so this may also be a factor.
Good for you for getting below 5! My understanding is that there are less side effects at this level, but also reducing is a lot trickier. Good luck moving forward.
Stress plays a bit part in the onset of PMR/GCA - it also causes the inflammation figures to rise (even without the underlying illnesses).
A year or so into my GCA journey my husband was very ill and subsequently died within a period of 6 months. My ESR level levels rose from single figures to high thirties over a period of about 3 months yet I never had a flare of my GCA symptoms!
That is really interesting because I have had further bouts of stress for the last year. That could well explain what's been going on. Thank you x
Your husband’s death and adjusting to a different life will have played a big part in your autoimmune disease. Most of us have a complex story involving stress in the lead up to diagnosis. Sending love to you and big hopes that you are beginning to emerge from it all. X
Thank you so much. Yes, it was a tremendously traumatic time for me, as I had my husband home from the hospital during his last 2 months and I was on constant call day and night until he finally passed. Just have to try and keep as calm as possible I guess. Thank you again x
My hubby was diagnosed with liver cancer very late on - and because of his other coronary problems much too late for anything to be done.
He decided he wanted to spend his remaining time at home - not in hospital nor hospice. I totally agreed with him, but it took its toll on my already compromised health. But I’m glad we went down that route no matter how stressful it was at the time - it was the right thing to do!
Take care.
I agree...we just don't know at the time, the cost to ourselves but at least we know we did the best we could. You take care too x
"Doc says that in all the 3 years I have only had 2 months where inflammation was normal. Don't know why"
Because at those points you probably weren't on enough pred to manage the inflammation as well as clear out any accumulated inflammation.
And stress plays a major role in most autoimmune disorders and PMR/GCA are no exceptions.
Hi, I have GCA and I think that it was brought on by stress, stressful job, Mum dying suddenly, bad virus. So I see no reason why flare ups can't be caused by stress too, I still have a stressful job so I keep a watch and I am reducing very slowly.
I, too, developed PMR after the decline and death of my husband. I felt physically strong and tackled all the chores outside the home that my husband had always taken care of during our 39 year marriage. I was proud that I could handle disposing of fallen tree limbs, use his chain saw, etc. And, I believe this “overdoing it” at least contributed to the onset of PMR. First came my ruptured disc and back surgery, then, in less than year, a diagnosis of PMR. Physical stress on top of the obvious emotional stress was just too much for me, I suspect.
I found a group on Facebook for Widows, as well as this wonderfully helpful group, to help me with coming to terms with being without the love of my life. Follow this link if you think this group might be of help to you, as well. .
facebook.com/groups/Widows5...
Similar circumstances --- I can feel for you.
Yes, some days OK and others not - health wise and emotions. All of this is not helpful dealing with PMR and trying to reduce prednisone. My thoughts are with you and Daylily.
xxx
Hi newby here.
Chronic stress and long term issues (adrenals)
End of PMR any suggestions 
Leflunomide
Feeling bad after cardiac stress test. 
