how to deal with PMR

[Martygolf]

I am about be treated for pmr. It started 2 months ago. I felt like I aged 10yrs in 2 days. It has taken a little while for my doctor to give the prognosis. I am now expecting to be treated with corticosteroids.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi and welcome,

You might like to have a look at this for a bit more info - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[yogabonnie]

You will feel SO MUCH BETTER. Then comes the fairly long haul to lower the steroids. but this forum is a wonderful place for all the questions that arise. Take it all slowly one day at a time and trust.. you will be better! Welcome!

[PMRCanada]

Welcome to the forum. We are here to support and provide guidance based on our experience, and so we “get it”. Getting a diagnosis of a chronic illness can be scary and worrisome....be sure to take care of your physical and mental health and be flexible enough to make adjustments as need be.

[jinasc]

Please can you put more info in your profile, like location.......Counties have different health services and it helps if you know your location. Take a look at my profile, just click on the avatar and you will get the idea.

Dorset Lady has said welcome and just remember we are all here to help as best we can.

[SheffieldJane]

Hello and welcome Martygolf. What’s your doctor’s hold up? You ought to have the blessed relief of Pred by now.

[Dydee]

I have to say that you are lucky you got diagnosed in only 2 months. So many on this site have taken even years to get the right diagnosis. My doc didn't even diagnose me, I DID. My research on the web found me in the PMR description, totally. Mine only took 10 months but I went from being 78 and feeling 58 to being 78 and feeling 98 when my symptoms started. There is hope. While not as good as I'd like, I'm better than I was. My biggest concern is my doc doesn't seem to take this very seriously, no research. There is a ton of information on this site to help you and for you to keep in mind if your doc wants to wean you off Pred too fast like mine did.

Take care and don't feel guilty for spending lots of time resting. Good luck!!

[Meggsy]

Hello, Kate Gilbert’s book, Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide, is a very worthwhile read.

[Daffodilia]

Try Kate Gilbert’s book on pmr

[Verwood]

I have only been treated for the last 24 days . Meds made a great difference. Found this site 3 days ago. Found lots of information and good advice. Just remember take your time and get better, Rome was not built in a day and I have found out we are in for the long haul to get better. I have been lucky, my GP does not appear to be in a hurry to for me to reduce dosage and he also diagnosed PMR very quickly, got blood test after first phone call

[nymima01]

I want to make a very useful suggestion. I had PMR and it is now in remission after over a year and a half on steroids. I was told to make sure I use a mouthwash for dry mouth, as the steady use of prednisone would change my mouth chemistry. Well, I’m so glad I listened. I am having some problems with my teeth some 3 yrs later, but, it would have been worse had I not used the mouthwash for dry mouth all along. My dentist took one look at the area of concern in my mouth and he knew immediately it was from dry mouth. I reminded him of my time on prednisone and some other drugs, and he told me that it was good that I listened to everyone. The prednisone helped me so much and I’m glad I could take it without too many problems. Best of luck to you!