How you feeling : Does anyone feel well on their... - PMRGCAuk

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How you feeling

Uglow profile image
Uglow
ā€¢106 Replies

Does anyone feel well on their pmr journey I never feel šŸ’Æ if Iā€™m not tired Iā€™m dizzy or aching or spaced out. Iā€™m on 11 mg going to 10 next week. I hate the way it screws up my head with dizzy spaced out as if Iā€™m only half here. Anyone else. Just trying to understand this horrible intrusive disease.

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Uglow profile image
Uglow
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106 Replies
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Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30

Feel well? What is that? I ache a lot and have awful moods and digestion but am rarely tired. I am quite surprised by that considering my activity levels and poor sleep. Just gone to 6mg.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Until my husband was ill I felt pretty good on pred - a damn sight better than the years I had PMR without pred! I generally have very little what would call real PMR pain - just the add-ons and they were well managed until Covid stopped the pain clinic input.

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

I feel quite good most of the time. A little stiffness in my legs and a bit of burning in my shoulders. I am tired at 8.30 pm so go to bed (or rather start getting read for bed which takes ages) Looking back I know I have improved a lot since before diagnosis so am thankful for that.

Bedwell profile image
Bedwell

Ditto

piglette profile image
piglette

I think I felt physically better on lower doses except the adrenal glands then decided to complain and I felt zonked out.

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans in reply to piglette

Snap. I still prefer the adrenal symptoms over the way I felt at higher doses though!

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to Coffeebeans

I think on reflection you may be right.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

This might sound a bit trite but Iā€™ve always tried to approach my illnesses like this. Sometimes I think the way we think about it can affect how we feel. So if you feel under attack from an ā€œintrusive diseaseā€ as if it has come from outside you it makes one feel like a victim and powerless and disconnects you from the getting better process. If one sees it as the body in a state of distress, still running wildly and fearfully, one can try to feel kindness towards oneself like catching it and holding it and telling it youā€™re there. I think in a lot of us there is that child within that just needs a hug, youā€™re in it together.

11mg was still enough to make me feel rubbish. It gets tedious, hang in there.

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30 in reply to SnazzyD

I used to be very good at talking firmly but kindly to my body. Comment to stubbed toe 'Sorry that I did that but I got the message that you sent me with that pain and I won't do it again.' The pain would retreat. I had another go at it yesterday when I whacked my hand hard while tripping on my own trousers and nearly falling downstairs. No pain or bruising today.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Seacat30

I like your theory thanks

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to SnazzyD

Yes o get this will be decreasing tomorrow to 10 mg hoping that helps.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply to Uglow

You might feel a bit rubbish due to withdrawal for a week. Youā€™re close to 10% reduction.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to SnazzyD

I might do 10.5 then

Flivoless profile image
Flivoless in reply to Uglow

I've gone from 11 down to 9 in circa 3 week 0.5 steps without a problem - so far.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to SnazzyD

Agree completely Snazzy.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to SnazzyD

I think we need a post of the philosophical sayings of Snazzy :)

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro

I donā€™t know about that. More like, The Ramblings of the Bewildered!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to SnazzyD

Don't do yourself down - you have put up some wonderful stuff!

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro

Agree 100% the posts are worth a thread on their own

Twopies profile image
Twopies

Iā€™m like youā€”I never feel well, hardly ever, and when I do (rarely), I overdo it and pay the price.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Twopies

Itā€™s a catch 22 feelOk oh let me have a little longer walk. Next day oh jeez why did I do it x

Twopies profile image
Twopies in reply to Uglow

Yes, and I know all about pacing and about starting slow and building up, all which I am doing to the best of my ability. Itā€™s just that some days I feel better for absolutely no reason and tackle some of the filth. And vice versaā€”some days I am worse for no reasonā€¦itā€™s a conundrum.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Twopies

So me too

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply to Uglow

Human nature to want feel and do something "normal"......but boy do we pay the price!....

bonio profile image
bonio in reply to Uglow

sounds like me!

Elispeth profile image
Elispeth

All I can say is that I have good days and bad days. Sometimes I can have a good morning and feel lousy by the afternoon and vice versa! I used to be very much in control of my life and my health and when I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia I started keeping a diary to track my activities, eating, exercise, alcohol intake etc etc. I could detect no patterns that made me feel better or worse other than stress and rest - and obviously the right dose of prednisolone. If I am able to do my own thing at my own pace then I am generally okay -ish!

Yes some mornings I can feel very spaced out and after trying to stay on my feet for an hour I can feel so spaced out that I have to go back to bed to rest. After about two hours resting I can get up and stay on my feet, do a little bit of housework and get a twenty minute (sometimes wobbly) walk in. The next day I can get up and feel quite good-ish. I cannot detect a pattern to this at all. I have had Polymyalgia now for around five years and I have given up trying to control it. Dorset Lady is right when she says that the disease has a complete mind of its own. I have now learned not to feel very downhearted when I am having a bad day because it is my experience that tomorrow I could feel a lot better.

Take good care of yourself. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body as best you can x

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Elispeth

Thank you for that I needed to hear. My osteoporosis gives me so much aggro too. But thereā€™s so many of us in the same boat. And itā€™s rocky. Sending strength to you. X

Elispeth profile image
Elispeth in reply to Uglow

Sending you strength back at ya ā¤! I wish that I didn't have this disease. I have lost my working life. My body is shaped like a lemon, my hair is curly and frizzy, even my teeth hurt sometimes šŸ™!

I do try to focus on the fact that one day this disease might hate me so much that it just gets up and leaves me behind šŸ‘‹! This is unlike other diseases out there that can affect some people in later life and the prognosis doesn't have the possibility of having any light at the end of the tunnel? It's easier said than done I know and I myself have lost touch with a lot of my old confident, hopeful self. This forum is just a godsend. I really do dread to think what would have happened to me if I hadn't found it. Take care x

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Elispeth

Same xx

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Elispeth

Same good luck and strength xx

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Elispeth

"the prognosis doesn't have the possibility of having any light at the end of the tunnel"

It isn't that bad - about 90% get to zero pred eventually - just it takes rather longer than they will admit!

Elispeth profile image
Elispeth in reply to PMRpro

Sorry for any misunderstanding in my writing. I meant that some other diseases don't have the same light at the end of the tunnel that Polymyalgia has. Those are fantastic statistics! I hold onto the fact that 90% get to zero eventually. I have read on this forum that Polymyalgia can dissipate, or go into remission, around 5yrs and 9 months on average. Hopefully........... šŸ˜ƒ !

Thank you for always being there PMRpro. You knowledge and understanding of this disease helps so many of us x

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

When I was first diagnosed, I felt really unwell for quite some time but now 3yrs on, I'm genuinely feeling quite a lot better. This hasn't happened of it's own accord though. I spent a lot of time learning as much as I could about the condition and as much as I could about steroids and the other meds prescribed for me.

So now.....

- I eat a low carb diet to help maintain a healthy weight. (Being overweight can increase the likelihood of possibly developing other 'add-on' conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.)

- I eat at regular times each day and include lots of protein to help stave off hunger pangs.

- I exercise daily within my levels of capability to minimise muscle wastage, improve balance and help maintain good bone density.

- I take my meds as advised and all my steroids are gastro-resistant. I always take them with food or some yogurt to help further protect my digestive tract and stomach. (The only exception is my Alendronic Acid that must be taken once a week on waking and at least 30mins before any food. This is to maximise the amount absorbed.)

- I rest frequently and pace myself very carefully. So, when I wanted to attend a recent wedding I ensured that I had no commitments the week prior to or after the wedding so I could rest as and when required.

- I accepted (with enormous reluctance)that I wasn't able to work efficiently or to the best of my ability anymore and took full medical retirement. This was extremely hard and upsetting initially, but it did allow me to focus completely on my own health and well-being and now I'm beginning to see and enjoy the results!

- I have more realistic expectations as to what constitutes a 'good day' or a 'well day'. So whereas before, a good day would have to be pain-free, ache- free, active, energised, wide awake and feeling like I'd been pre-diagnosis (I wasn't achieving many 'good days!) now a 'good' or 'well' day is defined very differently..... A few twinges, waking early but after some actual sleep, being able to get out in the garden or meet for a cuppa with a friend, being able to iron a few items etc. That is what now constitutes a truly great day!

- I am very mindful of what I put on my hair and skin and only use natural and gentle products that both nourish and moisturise. I also rub nail oil into my nails to prevent them becoming dry and brittle.

-I've accepted that although there are things I can no longer do right now, there are lots of other new things that I can do instead....like taking up 'Stone Art'.... and I loveit!( I'll try and post a pic)

Don't get me wrong.....I don't experience permanently perfect days and I definitely have periods of being unwell but I have more good days than bad days now.

It's been hard work and still is but it's so worth it.

I'm only where I am now because of the knowledge, advice and support received from here though.

We can't cure the disease but there's much we can do to improve our health and well-being whilst on this journey.

-

Stone Art
Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Kendrew

Iā€™m definitely trying to take a leaf out of your book I do research try to help myself. My blooming back osteoporosis holds me back. But itā€™s a long journey and I need to learn from you all. When people get a grip of the pmr Iā€™m so glad coz it gives me hope. Thank you for a great post.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Uglow

Haha! I'm not sure anyone truly has a grip on PMR/GCA, but I genuinely believe that however badly we're effected, there will always be something, however small, that we can do to improve things a little.....and it's those little wins that can make a big difference. My osteoporosis causes me to experience issues with my back too. If it's going to be uncomfortable it's usually always in the afternoon, so I'll always schedule my daily walk in the morning. Likewise, my energy diminishes as the day progresses, so anything more active, is again scheduled for the morning.

It's all about learning to 're-organise' and adapt. You'll eventually figure out what works for you Uglow, but it all takes time. As with everything PMR/GCA related...patience is the key!.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Kendrew

Your post give me strength thank you.

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Uglow

ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

Viv54 profile image
Viv54 in reply to Uglow

That's my problem my back, is so painful, it holds me back, so frustrating as if PMR isn't enough to cope with.Never mind your post was great this morning, got a lot of people joining in together.! I feel better for it .Thank šŸ˜ŠšŸŒ¹

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30 in reply to Kendrew

I love your stones. I have just spent this rainy day reminding myself why I used to love my ethnic jewellery collection and trying to discover more about it.

Yemeni rings
Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to Seacat30

Your rings are really beautiful. I've never seen Yemeni jewellery before. I wonder if the different styles have meanings? I love them.Finding something that brings you pleasure or joy can definitely improve your mood or demeanour.

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30

If anyone can't sleep tonight (šŸ˜„šŸ˜‚) please could they try to get a good photo of the Lunar Eclipse and Super Flower Blood Moon? I think it will vanish behind the end of my terrace at that time of night.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Seacat30

We are forecast stormy night..so no go here!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew in reply to DorsetLady

Same here in my part of Essex unfortunately šŸ˜•

herdysheep profile image
herdysheep in reply to Seacat30

very glad I did not set alarm. Foul night, full cloud cover and blowing a hooley. Did anyone see the moon?

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30 in reply to herdysheep

I saw a nice big full moon at about 12.30 but it was too early in the night to be red?

herdysheep profile image
herdysheep in reply to Seacat30

I looked out at 3.15 - nothing

Seacat30 profile image
Seacat30 in reply to herdysheep

It was heading into a direction where it would be hidden from me so I didn't try again.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to herdysheep

No fast asleep, but we did have some fairly spectacular thunder and lightning āš”ļø as I went to bed around 10.30, 11 ishā€¦

L
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to DorsetLady

We must have a had a goody first thing this morning - didn't hear a thing!! It rained the other side of the road but not here as far as I know.

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans

Thinking back, I never really felt consistently well until I got to around 8mg or lower and then the adrenal stuff reared its head - still preferable though.

Never worked out if it was related to the pred (I think it really affects my mental health) or the disease itself.

Fingers crossed it improves as you get lower like it did for me.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Coffeebeans

I hope so thanks

My initial my journey with PMR from Mid July till end of August 2021, with finally being diagnosed in September 2021 was terrible. I felt like a 100 year chap. Once on prednisolone and tapering slowly, I had slight discomfort but journey with PMR had been good. Down to 2.5mg of prednisolone with good blood results recently too.So for the time being journey of PMR is smooth without any hiccups.

Pusph profile image
Pusph

I'm glad you mentioned feeling spaced out and half there - that's exactly how I feel now - brain fogged! I'm sure a lot of it is down to me being totally stressed out about everything really and maybe down to the steroids as well, but I really don't feel as though I'm anything like the person I was before all this - mentally or physically!! Totally depressing!

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Pusph

Iā€™m the same hoping as pred goes down so do side effects šŸ™

Suffererc profile image
Suffererc

No never 100% but good enough to have a good quality of life. Have lots of ups and downs and strange pains occur. With the support on here a good quality of life šŸ˜Š

Daffodilia profile image
Daffodilia

Some aches and pains - on 6 mg - but compared to how I was when diagnosed 3 years plus ago feel much better - GP says ā€˜You have a condition- you will have some achesā€™ - hope you feel better as you reduce pred - remember to pace yourself

Iamfedup profile image
Iamfedup

My first two years were rough but this last ten months on lower doses were much easier. Iā€™m now approaching 2mg and dare I say it I feel almost normal!! Touch wood

Rottsuzi profile image
Rottsuzi

Hi , I feel same one day feel good next day totally drained I was down to 4mg and I went up to 5 I feel sore all over and have nothing in the tank at all itā€™s like Iā€™m pulling 100lbs weight behind me and I donā€™t know if Iā€™m too low preds or if methotrexate is doing it . What a rollercoaster ride this it šŸ¤¦ā€ā™€ļøšŸ˜©

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rottsuzi

Could be adrenals stuttering, they have that effectā€¦plus on a day you feel good you may do a little too much, and then next day you sufferā€¦.

Rottsuzi profile image
Rottsuzi in reply to DorsetLady

I think Iā€™m doing too much everyday like my normal life but also donā€™t know if I should take a break from methotrexate to see if I feel better x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Rottsuzi

How did you feel on the MTX at higher pred doses? If you felt OK on MTX until now, the indication is it is the change in the pred dose doing it - and that is normal at this level. If you were to go back up, all it will do is postpone dealing with it. At some point you have to sustain a lower dose of pred to prod the adrenals into life.

Snazzy has said she had to do less at this stage to get through it. I think it is a case of the expectation you will feel better at lower pred being dashed - and that doesn't help either,

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rottsuzi

Canā€™t help on the MTX, but if itā€™s adrenals itā€™s just a matter of very small tapers, pacing yourself better and patience! As Iā€™ve said many a time took me as long to get from 10mg to zero as it did to get from 80mg to 10mg..

Booklist profile image
Booklist

Uglow I'm so glad you asked this. I often feel as if I'm getting over flu with shaking legs and extreme tiredness. In my ignorance I thought that I would be feeling better by now after 6 months of pred, but sometimes I have to go back to bed with a hot water bottle. I'm on 12.5 mg pred, tried to reduce to 10 but pain and stiffness returned.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Booklist

I get you. I only go down .5 mg now I go 11-10.5-11-10.5 then 10.5-10.5-11 10.5 10.5 for couple days then 10.5 for 2/3 weeks then drop10. 10.5 10.5 and so on to gentle trick my body to accept lower doses.

Abcd123455 profile image
Abcd123455

Hi, Iā€™m generally tired all the time but better in the mornings than afternoons. Memory definitely worse in the afternoon probably as Iā€™m tired and mid week usually my worst time. Hopefully itā€™ll improve.

Decsgran profile image
Decsgran

Youā€™ve described perfectly how I have felt. The dizziness and spaced out feeling has improved as the dose has got lower, thank goodness . That was the bit I found most difficult to deal with.

Viv54 profile image
Viv54

There are so many days i feel low, i am just getting over a huge flare yet again, this illness can make you feel so alone , i have a great family ,but i feel bad when they ask how i am, its always very nearly gloomy ! I try really hard to be positive but have a lot of other RA/OA problems that dont help. But when i read these posts it makes me mentally stronger again to keep on going ! So glad i found this group, fingers crossed we all find light at the end of the tunnel, with my best wishes Viv.šŸŒ·

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Viv54

I have a down period every day tests for no reason other than just feel overwhelmed then I usually move on til the next day. Iā€™mNot depressed just fed up to my back teeth of it all. Good luck.

Viv54 profile image
Viv54 in reply to Uglow

DittošŸ˜Š

Carathedog profile image
Carathedog in reply to Viv54

Know exactly how you feel, sometimes I feel like saying Iā€™m fine when they ask, instead of sounding negative all the time, it gets you down

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Carathedog

I do say Iā€™m ok I donā€™t want everyone down with me. Although sometimes I want to I FEEL AWFUL I CANT FO THIS! but of course you do and move on to the next day ā¤ļø

Carathedog profile image
Carathedog

I feel dizzy, spaced out, and am very clumsy, Iā€™m on 10, after a flare, hoping to try 9 in a week or so

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Carathedog

Try 19.5 for couple days first maybe

Carathedog profile image
Carathedog in reply to Uglow

Ok x

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Carathedog

I suspect that's a typo - 9.5! Not nineteen ...

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to PMRpro

Yes sorry

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Uglow

No probs - oh so easy to do, especially on a phone!

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Uglow

I meant 9.5 lol

Tiggy70 profile image
Tiggy70

Iā€™m 21 months into PMR and it is certainly a roller coaster ride. Like so many of you Iā€™m experiencing the daily up and downs of this illness. With the invaluable advice and support from this forum I feel Iā€™m beginning to handle it better but thereā€™s always the worry at the back of my mind that things are going to take a turn for the worst. Iā€™m a born worrier and my family tell me Iā€™d be worried if I didnā€™t have something to worry about!

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Tiggy70

Tight Iā€™m the same I try not to be but thatā€™s just me. My hubby always says I cry before Iā€™m hurt so get hurt twice sometimes lol

123mossie profile image
123mossie

Have faith, non of us know how long our journey will be but with patience and quiet acceptance of what pmr throws at us we can hopefully & eventually get into remission. Iā€™ve had all the awful effects of pmr mentioned here only improved by pacing & slowing down the tapering massively. I have felt well this last few months around 2mgm, Iā€™m now on 1mgm having ploughed through the adrenal difficulties, not 100% yet but getting there.

Viv54 profile image
Viv54 in reply to 123mossie

That's so great to hear šŸ˜Š

Alebeau profile image
Alebeau

I am 3 yes 6 months into PMR and at 7.5 mg pred. I also started Leflunomide in Sept 2021 and I do believe it got me lower than ever before as I always got stuck at the 10 mg mark. I live with the side effects of Leflunomide because of that achievement. Mainly diarrhea.

I do have dizzy days as many have mentioned but I do take additional meds for prostate issues so that may be causing some of the dizziness. Dutasteride and tamsulosin.

I have learned through this great forum how to manage my reduction and am pain free always (split my dose thanks again to this forum) 5 mg in the AM and 2.5 in the PM.

I go real slow .5 reduction every month or two based on blood work and how I am feeling. I do gentle yoga stretches a couple of times a week to keep flexible.

Maybe I will fit the mold for the 5 plus year finish line - we'll see.

Good luck to you all. āœŒ

Pandora2 profile image
Pandora2

I feel great at the moment but understand and sympathise with your problem. For months I suffered the symptoms you mention and looking back I can now see that the most obvious cause centred on my Pred dosage. However I can now see that the good ladies on this forum are responsible for this vast improvement. All the clinicians charged with my care couldnā€™t wait to get me off prednisolone as swiftly as possible without asking me how I felt on the subject. Now I follow my own program as suggested by those who seem to know best, those who have learned by their own experience and have striven to acquire knowledge to enable them to help others with this awful and difficult condition.

Good luck. X

Janbay46 profile image
Janbay46

I'm sometimes achy and dizzy., especially if I've been over doing things. The dizziness is getting better with lower Prednisolone (now down to 8 mg), the aches are getting a bit worse. Not a lot of pain, and not all day, just twinges. The thing is, I'm 76, and I don't have much idea what's normal at my age. It seems a bit unreasonable to expect to be pain free and full of bounce all the time. And I'm still riding my bike!

AncientMariner profile image
AncientMariner

It's a battle isn't it, I wanted to respond to just give you support and know you are not alone. The expectations sometimes of the professionals who guide our care say this and say that, reduce our meds and then we start to suffer. We don't have easy choices and eking out a quality of life is our priority today and day by day. We can be told "You need to reduce this med as long term it will damage you" but when you don't think in terms of "Long Term" just I need to get through tomorrow it is meaningless. Take care and do what YOU need to do.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to AncientMariner

I've had a major flare the last few months - even with enough pred to sort the definitely PMR side of things, the extra bursitis/tendonitis has been awful, left hip and right achilles!! I don;t WANT to live years longer if it will be like it was at its worst ...

AncientMariner profile image
AncientMariner in reply to PMRpro

I reach out and understand, really. I think and believe that when and if you can, take the Duke Of Edenborough's philosophy that looking outside yourself leads to less unhappiness, I know he was crusty but there was much wisdom in the man. I get pain but have spent days managing it going outwards into the Derbyshire Dales, camping, whatever. What's the alternative?

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales

The first two years after I was diagnosed with textbook PMR and put on pred I felt so good. Such a relief from how I felt before. I had chipmunk face, big dowagers hump, three chins etc but I just ignored it and felt so good I was able to holiday, walk, dance etc. Then at 3 mg the big flare came in after I had to go to the USA to look after my daughter who had breast cancer. I went back up to 10 but never felt well and of course the osteoarthritis was progressing all the time. But I got down to 3 again. Then a huge relapse hit me. Questions of GCA never quite resolved, diabetes 2, on 30 mg for a couple of months, slow taper because of lab results, stayed on 10 for 7 months, now tapering slowly. So six years later, no I never feel well, always in pain, always trying to tease out what is PMR or osteoarthritis. I think PMR mirrors your life events. You canā€™t control them and you canā€™t control PMR. I self prescribed a good dose of ā€œput up with it ā€œ this morning. Itā€™s in the same class as ā€œ Just get on with itā€. šŸ˜Š

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Nightingales

I really do think that once you get a big flare it gets much harder - but I cannot work out why. There must be something!

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales in reply to PMRpro

Me too. I was so excited to go on a big dose thinking I would feel as good as the first time. But it took a lot longer to work and I never did get that real feel good factor again.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Nightingales

No, me neither. And we aren't alone. The absolute secret I'm sure is to creep down the dose and never let any sign of flare get established - and it can be done even when it takes longer than the 2 years. DL managed to never have a flare.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro

ā€¦but then my treatment wasnā€™t overseen by a over enthusiastic Rheumy, but initially by an ultra cautious GP (for first 18months), and then a very sensible experience one for remainder.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to DorsetLady

Which I think is the point ;)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro

Yes it is -but as we know too many medics donā€™t want to hear that!

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales in reply to PMRpro

Thank you. I have a rigid uninterested rheumatologist but an excellent GP who discusses with me whats the best move. All prescriptions on repeat so I never have to worry about running out. I have tapered 1/2 mg a month and am now on 9 but I donā€™t feel good so I think I am going to go back to 10 or maybe higher and then do the DSNS method. Thank you so much. I love this support group, the knowledgeable advice with a good dose of sense of humour.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Nightingales

Even DSNS won't get you lower if the dose is simply too low. Though sometimes the adrenal point can start at 10-ish - everyone is different. Then little and NOT often is a good strategy.

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales in reply to PMRpro

My suspicions proved right unfortunately. Blood test results showed ESR and CRP doubled. So GP put me up to 12.5. Itā€™s a bit disheartening because this flare happened 18 months ago, and here I am back at 12.5. Oh well battle on.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Nightingales

At least you have a realistic and sensible GP!

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada

Depends on the day really. When I was at 9mg of pred for two years for my PMR I felt great. Very active, no pain, almost forgot I had PMR. Since lowering my pred dose with the help of MTX, I am starting to feel pre-existing OA in right knee and my muscles just donā€™t seem to allow for as much activity (one week 4 of a 6-week taper down to 7.5mg of pred). Sometimes itā€™s multiple health woes that cause me to feel down and overwhelmed.

Iā€™m kind of afraid of whatā€™s coming next as I head into ā€œadrenal territoryā€ as Iā€™ve never had any fatigue to speak of really, but found myself napping yesterday at 4pm while reading.

Whatever comes my way Iā€™ll always feel supported by you fine folks. Knowing Iā€™m not alone in my challenges is a blessing.

Heron82 profile image
Heron82

I share your pain and frustration with this condition and have very similar symptoms to yours, from what you describe. I try to take each day as it comes and enjoy the good days and rest/try not to do too much on the bad days. I too am about to go from 11 to 10,5 mg in 2 weeks. Am reducing in 0.5 mg amounts every 4 - 6 weeks as have had few flares with prior reductions lower than 13.5 mg. So far so good. Frustrating when the rheumatologist I see doesn't really listen and puts most symptoms down to menopause. If only men experienced the menopause.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Heron82

Without a doubt wen get it tougher. I have no idea what the creator was thinking šŸ˜‚

Pissaro profile image
Pissaro

Thank you for your post. Your words most closely describe the way I have been feeling.

I have recently raised my Predisolone to 15mg but still feel, dizzy, lightheaded and struggling to focus. Iā€™m not in pain or stiff anymore but in many ways find the fatigue and lightheadedness harder to cope with.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Pissaro

Fatigue and dizziness are very common side effects of leflunomide -have you discussed with your doctor? There may be a different option.

Uglow profile image
Uglow in reply to Pissaro

Iā€™m on 10.5 and feel dizzy lightheaded just not good. Pain under more control but this is awful. At what dose does adrenal start to work and do you know how you know if they working. Oh Pissarro I hate this x

Wizards profile image
Wizards

I've had PMR 7 yrs and have never felt my normal self. Now that I'm down to 2 mg I feel the worst yet because adrenal glands not working.It's an up and down journey.

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