Pain in my shoulder was originally diagnosed as rotator cuff, but after some weeks when pain spread to other shoulder, hips and buttocks, a friend who is a nurse suggested I get tested for PMG. After blood tests it was confirmed and I am now on Prednisone, 4 tabs a day. Pain has gone but feel spaced, tired and generally off. I eat a balanced diet and conscious of eating anti inflammatory foods.
I do not fancy being on on steroids for 2 years and welcome ways to reduce dose and alternatives.
In general, there are no alternatives to corticosteroids for PMR. A very small number of patients are able to use methotrexate to reduce the dose of pred and others find leflunomide works for them - but in both cases they are a minority. And they aren't sweeties either and can have side effects too.
However - if your doctor has told you PMR only lasts for 2 years, I fear I must disillusion you, Only about 20% of patients are able to get off pred in that time. But you won't remain at 20mg for the whole time. You have been started on a dose that is plenty to deal with the inflammation that causes the symptoms. After a few weeks, once it has done its job, you will start to taper the dose slowly to find the lowest effective dose that manages the symptoms as well as the starting dose, This is a process that can't be hurried, if you try to rush then you slow everything down and may end up taking more pred than if you are patient. This is a race the tortoise wins.
What many of us find is that carbs, especially processed carbs and added sugar, can make the inflammation worse so cutting them may help. It also reduces the likelihood of steroid-related weight gain. Limiting fruit is also important - lots of sugar in fruit even if it is healthier sugar!
hi
Maybe have a look through this for info- but as PMRpro says there is nothing else that works on PMR -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
It does include a link on tapering - and there’s plenty of information in the FAQs - and you may well find that Pred is not as scary as you envisage.
Thank you and I will check out.
PMR is life changing and steroids are a wonder drug as far as PMR is concerned. Look after yourself and start to pamper yourself. Also learn to say 'No'.!!
i was told that there are no alternatives to these steroids, i asked because i get pain across my chest i believe caused by steroids, as soon as i told my doctor she phoned an ambulance, the hospital said its not a heart attack, mistakes are made....... my original problem was sinius... it was'nt until i got pain in my left eye they told me it was temporal arturitis that was a year ago..... these steroids cause a lot of problems from what i have read, i am new to this site....but i have other problems like psoriasis... you just learn to cope because you have to
Ibuprofen and Prednisone Together?
Alternative to prednisone
prednisone taper
Rayos - time released Prednisone 
resistant to Prednisone
