Returning polymyalgia

[23Jackie]

After taking prednisone for two years I stopped last Christmas after doing the very slow method - all has been well except a couple of weeks ago it started to come back as I am too tired to almost get up from a chair - is it ok to try a really low dose or do most people go back to a high dose again - I am just so reluctant to do this as last time it severely affected my glaucoma - thank you I would welcome any advice - Jackie

[HeronNS]

If it is tiredness rather than returning pain I think you should see your doctor to find out whether your adrenal glands may be not up to the mark yet. You may need a low dose of pred because of that. I really think you need to see your doctor about this, no matter what.

And probably you would only need a low dose if it is returning PMR, also true for adrenal insufficiency.

[jinasc]

HeronNS has said it all..................GP needed and a possible Synacthen test to see what those adrenal glands of yours are up to.

.................if PMR has returned, hit it hard and fast this time and then slowly does it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

If you were off Pred within 2 years then I would suggest that it wasn’t a very slow method!

Your PMR hasn’t so much “come back” more likely “never having gone away!”

Please address it ASAP - the longer you leave it, the more medication you’ll need!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Try 5mg and see what happens - this is a very typical time for a return for someone whose disease activity is very low so it wasn't immediately apparent that it was still there. In a flare the top experts would say try the dose you flared at plus 5mg for a short time.

If that works in a few days - off to the doctor and discuss a synacthen test asap to see how your adrenal function is. Then you can decide if it might be poor adrenal function or a return of PMR. After 5 months though - I'd be more likely to put my money on PMR.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to PMRpro]

I agree. I think adrenal problems would have been felt before finishing pred and the 5 months since. They may be ‘spluttering’ a bit rather than full production though.

I think you’re the second lady this week with a very similar timescale for re-emergence of PMR symptoms.

[SheffieldJane]

I would involve your doctor and perhaps an Endocrinologist in decisions about your future treatment decisions. Maybe a Synacthen Test. It maybe the effect on your Adrenal system rather than a return of PMR.