New to the diagnosis

[Crazyhorsewoman]

I have only been diagnosed a few weeks and on Prednisone for 2+ weeks. When tapering do you still have some of the am pain always or do you have totally pain free days? I went down 5mg after first week and continue am pain and stiffness, some days better than others. But always 10-20% better than before treatment.

How long should I wait to start a little reconditioning? I am out feeding horses and doing housework and trying to walk now, but would like to add some weights to the regime.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Whoever your doctor is, they need to get some background on PMR. It is standard oractice to stay at the starting dose for at least 3 to 4 weeks before trying to taper the dose and any reduction step should not be more than 10% of the current dose.

Or have they started you on a very high dose (not needed for PMR) rather than the 15-20mg dose that is recommended for PMR? More details about dose etc would be very helpful to us for comments.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, and welcome,

This might give you some more info on your illness - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and this gives a bit of info on exercise - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

As PMRpro says a bit more info on your profile would help us to help you.

[SheffieldJane]

I am so glad you found us and our two brilliant advisors found you. Once you have browsed DorsetLady’s attachments and FAQs on the site. You will feel better equipped to manage PMR. I am afraid the disease tends to be with us for a few years. Sensibly managed though, a relatively normal life can be achieved. Stick with us. Fellow sufferers share gold dust every day.

[Crusty1949]

Happy New Year, I’m 72, we snow bird between Humble, TX and Colombiania, OH. I was diagnosed two years ago. It took me two years to get from 25mg/day down to Zero. The slow downward trend was a roller coaster ride, which included the COVID vaccinations and two flare ups. My reductions were one , two, 1.5, ……..etc. until I hit zero. I have been at Zero for 7+ weeks. The biggest thing with moving down is to determine if you are having PMR flareups, prednisone withdrawal or just pains from over doing it. Try Tylenol Arthritis before jumping back on prednisone. My rheumatologist

Says ‘ less is better then more’. so, take it one step at a time. Remember PMR recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck.

[ImC_]

hmmm . . . I have just spent 4 weeks gradually tapering from 5.5mg to 5mg and feeling very pleased with myself . . . it is 18 months since I was diagnosed with PMR and started on 15mg.

Do you have PMR or something else?

Best wishes, feeding horses sounds hard work but lovely!