PMR seems to have returned

[Urtica]

Briefly, I had PMR from 2016 - 2019. It didn’t show up on blood test and I was started on 15mg of pred. Within 48 hours I was pain free and quickly reduced to 10mg then dead slow method.

After having very painful shoulders and top of arms for the last 3 months (which did not respond to painkillers) I suspected PMR might be back so had telephone consultation with GP. As before, blood ok, but I spoke to another GP who has put me on 20mg for 2 weeks and will ring me in 1 week. Pains have gone at the moment.

I am just wondering if current advice has changed? How quickly should I be able to reduce down to 10mg and below? Is the DSNS method still the recommendation?

I still take Adcal-D3 for my bones because of osteoporosis/osteopenia but GP is talking of extra protection for my bones. Is it still Alendronic acid ?

Thanks.

[SheffieldJane]

In your shoes I would do DSNS never more that 10%. You never really had true relief and I reckon it never went. It is disheartening, similar happened to me, but rushing just doesn’t work.

[Urtica in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for your quick reply. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hard luck - it happens. Others I know who have had PMR twice say the two episodes bore little resemblance to one another. But at least you had the best part of 4 years free from it and know it can go away.

DSNS or DorsetLady's simple slow taper - you can reduce as fast as YOUR body will let you, Nothing has changed about that as far as we are concerned.

Probably AA is what will be offered - there are alternatives if AA doesn't suit you including annual infusions and 6 monthly injections as well as different tablets.

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your quick reply. I hope life in Italy is still good. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Urtica]

Still very preferable to the UK although I'm here alone now, my husband died 18 months ago.

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

Very sorry to hear your sad news.

[autumnlass in reply to PMRpro]

🫶🙏xx