Update from the Music Lady

[Musiclady18]

Well good news, they have confirmed no GCA at this point for me, however the Rheumatologist says my PMR has not gone into remission yet, as I have had too many flares in my 3 1/2 yrs. I am currently on Methotrexate and it seems to be working so we will count our blessings and hope soon it will go into quietness. I do want to share that today the Rheumatologist said it so well, it made sense "it seems everyone will get something (diabetes, heart disease) in their lifetime, you've got a chronic disease, PMR." That seemed to make sense to me, PMR will not go away it will only go into remission at some point! I want to say thank you to those who continue to reach out and offer their experience with those on this site, it is so good to hear from those who travel the same path!

[jinasc]

I know this question will seem odd, but did you yo-yo your pred or follow one of the tapering plans?

[Musiclady18 in reply to jinasc]

I found it does take the tapering method to go down with the prednisone but I have had a few flares during my 3 1/2 years with PMR., which means I did have to go back on the prednisone on some occasions with Drs guidance. I am now down to no prednisone but on methotrexate which seems to be working at this point for me. I hope that helps

[jinasc in reply to Musiclady18]

It does but it makes me wonder..................

I have not heard of, methotextrate working for pmr with no pred.

It is, for PMR and steroid sparing agent.

Methinks that if worked for PMR alone, no-one would be on pred.

Methotextrate is the gold standard for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I would be asking the question, have have developed RA? Has the PMR gone into remission?

Mind I am not a medical person in any shape or form. Others will be along who know much more than me...............

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

Sarah has just said it depends - some people do brilliantly, some don't. More evidence of the heterogeneity of PMR...

[Macadoo]

Hello MusicLady...I'm checking with you to see if the Methotextrate is still working for you. I'm on 8mg prednisone...can't get any lower without flare ups and my rheumatologist wants me to start methotexrate 15mg once a week. I read about it and see it has many potential side effects and wonder if it will be worth the risk of taking? Thank you!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Macadoo]

Personally - if I had got to 8mg on my own in 2 years - really not sure I would be too keen to start MTX in addition. If it were guaranteed to get you off pred entirely, fair enough. But it isn't. If I were stuck well above 10mg, possibly worth a try - I was and agreed to try it. I just couldn't cope, but as my rheumy said, you tried.

[Macadoo]

Thank you PMRpro for your reply.