PMR beginner

[Twinwood]

Hi, I've just joined the post and am on my 3rd day of 15mg Pred for PMR. I suffered my first flare up about 2 weeks ago, went to my GP a week ago, results of the blood test came back 3 days later and my GP, bless her, diagnosed probable PMR and prescribed the Pred. I woke up next morning and was able to get out of bed virtually pain free...amazing. Really interested to read all the advice and Pred reduction plans posted on here....it will be my first point of reference as I start out on my long journey to a PMR-free future.

[Hidden]

Welcome Twinwood. It's a big relief when the pain eases so glad you got a good response to pred. If you have read about tapering already that's good. There will be lots of info and advice you need to take on board, especially to manage potential side effects of pred. I just wanted to say welcome and ask questions as you need to-there's no such thing as a stupid question! 🌻

P. S. What a gorgeous dog! I am guessing cockerpoo, but sometimes I have been fooled!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

And welcome.

Might be worth you reading this - it’s a bit long, but stick with it!

If will give some answers, but probably raise some questions as well, so please ask.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Welcome - and maybe it won't be as long as you think! As the others say - never be afraid to ask!

[Blearyeyed]

Welcome , there's lots to read on all aspects of PMR and do ask any questions big or small as you learn the ropes , we are always happy to lend an ear and give people support.

[Dukeyears]

I was diagnosed and started the Steriods in may, I can emphasise with that first time of being able to move naturally again after being virtually disabled over night. Good luck with you journey, I have found this forum such a huge help with information and good will.

[Bridge31]

You were fortunate like me to have an alert GP who recognised possible PMR straight away.

[Pixix]

Morning...I’m only just one month into my way through the PMR minefield...but this group is really positive & helpful. My GP said I had classic symptoms which helped him diagnose quickly...& I had the same fast initial reaction after two days of Pred. Good luck!

[Lochy]

Good luck on your journey. Stay tuned to this fabulous forum it has been invaluable to me.

[alangg]

Your journey so far sounds very similar to mine - the instant relief was so welcome and quite a surprise! My advice is to keep on 15mg for a few weeks, even maybe 4-5 and then taper down very slowly and never more than 10%. Get some 2.5mg and 1mg tablets and a pill cutter to make this easier and always stay on the new dose for a couple of weeks before tapering again.

It worked for me, I had no flares and managed to keep on working in a fairly physical job. 2 years later I'm flirting with club zero and fortunately have had no noticeable side effects of the pred! (Looking for a piece of wood to touch...)

[Twinwood in reply to alangg]

You sound similarish to me...fairly active and physical, was aiming to do do exactly what you advise and that has confirmed it. Best wishes and no hiccups....touching wood as I type.

[Whitner]

Welcome Twinwood! I’m 2 months into my PMR journey and am so thankful for this forum. You will find some really great information and encouragement.

[tangocharlie]

Being a man you'll probably sail through it rapidly, it'll be no more than a minor inconvenience for 10 months! Seriously, men do have a much easier time on it and respond better to Pred than women. Welcome to the forum and hope it's useful to you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

I do know several men on forums who have been around and on pred for well above the 2 years too ...