New to this

[Nitap41]

I was just diagnosed with PMR this week, the Dr. has put me on prednisone starting this morning 3 tablets per day. My body feels like it's been in a wreck. How soon should I feel better and how long does this steroid treatment last? I hear a lot about gaining weight on this steroid. Any insight is helpful. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, and welcome, glad you’ve found us…

Short answers -

you should feel better within days, but may take up to 2 weeks, any longer than that and you need to speak to doctor again. The initial dose which I’m guessing by your description is 15mg (3x5mg) is usual starting level, but is not always enough.

Treatment lasts as long as illness does, anything from 2 years up,

Weight gain is not inevitable and can be mitigated by cutting your carbs drastically….

Longer answers - read this link - looks and sounds a bit daunting at outset, but will help -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Also have a look at FAQs in your own time, lots of info there - see this or it’s on a banner just below first post on this page -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

And a plea, when you’ve got your head around things, put a bit more information on your profile, helps others members to a) know you a bit better, and b) or answer your questions.

There’s always someone around, so just ask whatever whenever….

[singingloud]

So glad you found us. I’ve had PMR for three years and this group of great people have been invaluable. Welcome!

[piglette]

I am so sorry you have PMR. It took me fifteen hours and twenty six minutes to return to the land of the living. It was like magic. PMR does mean long term steroids, but they are a wonder drug. You should have been prescribed vitamin D with calcium as something to look after your bones while taking steroids and also you should have a Dexascan to check your bone density.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome. I was even faster than piglette - I was able to move normally less than 6 hours after my first dose of 15mg! However, that doesn't mean a speedier journey to no pred - I have struggled to manage the symptoms and the PMR appears to still be there after 13 years of pred. That IS very unusual though - there are several versions of PMR which seem to last different times.

DL has told you most thing - but I must emphasise that even if you DO feel a lot better on that dose of pred, it isn't permission to return to normal levels of activity! The underlying disorder is still going on and attacking your body, leaving it intolerant of acute activity and that means pacing and resting appropriately are essential or you will appear to have a relapse or that the pred isn't working. Also 15mg may not be enough - it is the low end of the recommended starting range, you need the lowest effective dose in the range 12.5 to 25mg and if you don't get 70% relief overall within a week, you may need a bit more.

[MiloCollie]

Welcome to the group. It’s a godsend. Great advice and support. Lots of links and research. If the 15mg-which is what I presume your three tablets equal- is not relieving your symptoms don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for more. Either 20mg or 25mg may be needed. Take it a day at a time. DONT over exert yourself even if you suddenly feel great. You’ll be sorry. Rest and rest! I learned that the hard way. It’s a new way of life but it’s manageable. Good luck. Keep in touch and let us all know how you get on. Xx

[Hankb]

Hi Nitap41. Welcome to the group. I've had PMR for almost 2 years and find this group to very supportive and full of good advice. Best wishes.👍

[Predsharer]

There is always great advice on here from people a lot more knowledgeable than me, but my advice, which has helped me no end over the past eighteen month, is to keep a detailed diary.

[Tiggy70]

Welcome to the forum. You will gets lots of invaluable advice here. I’ve had PMR for almost 2 years. The hardest part was accepting that PMR is a chronic illness. I hated taking Prednisolone at the outset and to some extent still do but I realized quite quickly that without it life would be so much harder. Cutting down on your carb intake will help prevent weight gain. Good luck on your journey, we are all here for you.