Thank you

[kmeikle1]

Hi there. I've been reading posts for about a month and just have to say that your knowledge, and care and concern for one another has been an encouragement to me. I've learned a lot about tapering that gives me confidence as I'm tapering once again after a flare. I'm at 9 mgs. prednisone headed to 8 soon.

I was diagnosed July 2019. It took awhile since I'm atypical with low blood numbers. But I had all the symptoms and immediate relief with prednisone. My mother has GCA years ago. I live in the state of Washington, USA; have a good rheumy; and with your help I'm learning to live with PMR.

Thanks to all of you who invest in this site. With warm regards, Kathy

[SheffieldJane]

Hi and a warm welcome to the forum! It has been a great help to me ( PMR +GCA).

[kmeikle1 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you SheffieldJane

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you have difficulty tapering you can try only 0.5mg instead of 1mg and/or a slower taper rather than an “overnight” drop.

A half dose can be achieved by cutting 1mg tablet or mixing and matching other doses (1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg) provided you can get them in the States. Plain white ones only

Taper - - variation attached - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

There are others.

[kmeikle1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady. I will do that...slow and easy.

[Longtimer]

Hope the lowering goes well....What breed is your lovely dog?

[kmeikle1 in reply to Longtimer]

Goose is an Aussie Mountain Doodle so 1/4 Australian Shepherd, 1/4 Bernese Mountain Dog, and half Poodle. He's a joy and gets me out on a daily walk which I might skip otherwise.

[Longtimer]

A lovely cuddly mix then!....

[calicojoy41]

Love your picture with your percious baby!! I live on the left coast also, California !! I am so glad I found this the group, to have the support and sharing at this time of my life!! I am 79 and did not need this new challenge with everything else that is going on in our world now!

[kmeikle1 in reply to calicojoy41]

I, too, lived in the bay area for most all my life (Half Moon Bay for 30+ years). I agree...very thankful to have found this group. I'll be 74 soon and this is my first real health problem. Thankful for that, but... PMR gives me empathy for those who have suffered through chronic health issues.

[Marilyn1959]

What a lovely post and photo. Welcome!

[kmeikle1 in reply to Marilyn1959]

Thank you Marilyn

[Bcol]

Welcome from me as well. I have been newly diagnosed with PMR and totally agree with your sentiments about this site.

[Jsb1961]

Hi Kath

I’m glad you are finding the articles of some use

What breed on dog do you have he’s adorable

[kmeikle1 in reply to Jsb1961]

Thank you. Goose is an Aussie Mountain Doodle so 1/4 Australian Shepherd, 1/4 Bernese Mountain Dog, and half Poodle.

[MrsNails in reply to kmeikle1]

My son has a Bernese Mountain Dog 🐶 he’s only a pup but he’s going to be huge!

Your dog is gorgeous 🐶

[kmeikle1 in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you MrsNails. Bernese Mountain dogs are beautiful too.

[Purplecrow]

Hi from Bellingham Wa!

You are so right about this forum. The long timers are best source of PMR info to be found! They have helped me through 7 years, and I have learned to pass info forward when I can.

My dog kids are two geriatric weiner dogs and an American cocker spaniel!, all rescues. It's never dull in our home!

Stay Covid safe and enjoy our summer.

Kind regards, Jerri

[kmeikle1 in reply to Purplecrow]

Hi Jerri, seven years...that's one thing I've learned since joining...PMR lasts longer than I thought. That's good to know because I can manage my expectations.

By the way, we got our pup from Littleton Ranch in Bellingham. Our previous dogs had all been rescues. I didn't realize how much energy a puppy requires. At 74 he's about all I can handle (PMR, of course, makes it more challenging).

I'm enjoying our sunny days in southern WA. Thank you.

With warm regards,

Kathy

[Jackoh]

Welcome! Lovely post. 💐