Anniversary

[Gary1310]

Well it is about 1 yr since I began my PMR journey. I feel well most days. I have tapered to 2 mg prednisone.....AND........I have learned to pace myself. I think fatigue is my biggest issue now. I go to bed by 9 pm. up at 5 m for my meds. I nap most days. I think my Adrenals are kicking in. Today was great! ..but rested rather than shopping for Christmas. I am pleased with my progress..looking forward to Feb. 1...no more Prednisone. Appreciate the advice I received on this site.🌹

[HeronNS]

No more prednisone on February 1st? Get back to us then and let us know how you are. Good Luck!

[Gary1310 in reply to HeronNS]

OK.....I will keep in touch!😊

[lemarie1]

Good for you Gary! Sometimes you have to tough it out to see victory.

[Gary1310 in reply to lemarie1]

Thanks.. I think I did tough it out..🌹

[SheffieldJane]

Happy Anniversary. Keep in touch. I live for the happy, well times, I forget what it’s like and then inexplicably I’m bursting with joy and energy ( even 10 minutes is worth it). I was still pretty ill after one year. Getting there after 3+ years but Pred takes its toll I think. My fatigue is beyond a joke at present.

[Gary1310]

I agree, even 10 minutes, makes it special! It hasn’t been very long since I felt like myself. There is two months left on my journey but for several days I have felt well for the whole day. It has been a very quiet time because we received 22 inches of snow. Just quiet days by the fireplace counting my blessings. Quit a difference a year makes

[Daisyfield]

Well done and a really encouraging post especially as I have hit my first flare I think and feel despondent. This has cheered me up. Hope you have smooth recovery.

[Gary1310 in reply to Daisyfield]

..just one day at a time. Listen to your body. Chin up....it is not fatal.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I do say to new people in a panic - in a year you will look back and see how far you have come. I hope your February date works - but don't push it, you are on a safe low dose that may possibly be what you need.

[Gary1310 in reply to PMRpro]

🌹.....Thank you. I know I am on “thin ice” and just a hint of remission.

[Lafete]

Sounds so positive. Glad to hear this. Can you just let me know how you came to the decision to take your pred at that time?

Thanks.

[Gary1310 in reply to Lafete]

...My Rheumatologist said to take it in the am. I learned, here, that Adrenals normally produce cortisol early in the morning. I like that schedule......early to bed early to rise.

[Arflane97G]

Best wishes, hope all goes well

[Gary1310]

Congratulations🎉....I think I will be very scared, too. I now feel vulnerable. This condition has humbled me.

[HeronNS in reply to Gary1310]

I'm planning to use DSNS stop taper all the way, with zero being the "new" dose. I think that will help me feel more secure. Sometime in early 2020, d.v.

[Whitner]

As someone new to PMR it is so encouraging to read your post and I’m so happy for you! Yes, please let us know how it goes.

[remission]

the best thing I have found at turning the fatigue around is Qigong; it 's been simply amazing for me.

[Gary1310 in reply to remission]

...Thank you...Think I will try it!

[Jackoh]

Sounds very encouraging- all the best !

[Gary1310 in reply to Jackoh]

Thank you.

[Musiclady18]

Thank you Gary for your post I too have been on the PMR journey for one year, so we are traveling on the same timeline. I am currently down to 4 mg of prednisone and yes I agree that fatigue is really present!!! I thought I had passed that hurdle?? Anyway you said it so well pacing, is so important! Your comment reminded me of that and I need to remember that as well, as most days I feel pretty good. I am still teaching but have been able to reduce my teaching days to 3 a week, thank heavens, as I feel exhausted at the end of those 3 days! I am an Arts teacher, music, dance and drama, and maybe that's part of the exhaustion but the kids really make my days worth it, they are precious! I also play the guitar and have been finding that my fingers are really bothering my, feel swollen ???? Any thoughts on that one????

Good luck Gary on your journey, your comment are right on!!!

and this forum, well, I've said it before you just can't beat it, it is a Godsend and a true blessing!

[Gary1310]

Hi, my fingers and feet were all swollen at the beginning but now seem normal. I do find that my skin has thinned and I get nicks on arms and legs. I think my skin is improving as I am tapering. I feel much better than I did even a month ago. I started at 20 mg Prednisone for 2 months, 17.5 mg for 2 months etc then to taper of 1 mg per month. I started 2 mg on Dec. 1. I can not imagine working.....I rest a lot. Have learned to say NO. I need to pace, pace, pace.....fatigue seems to be getting better as well. Take care.

[Hidden]

Happy (Not) Anniversary! You're down to 2 mg... GOOD ON YOU! Congrats! May you continue to be successful with managing this terrible illness!