WOW, noticing today, after some weak days at 5mg prednisone, I am again feeling good and energetic, added meth and hydroxy dropped metformin

[sdowney717]

I was at 5 a few weeks go, but too hastily dropped and went to 2.5, and on the 3rd day at 2.5 felt terrible. Jumped back to 10 and then 7.5. And since I have gone back to 5, after maybe a week at 5, I am again feeling great, better than I did the last time I was at 5. There are some differences now, I am on methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. And the other diff, I stopped taking any metformin. I used to be at 1500 mg metformin and right before developing this PMR, had been jumped up to 2000 mg. I was reading metformin can cause arthralgias and even develop it after years of being ok on it. So I thought just try and drop that and see what happens. Actually it does not seem to effect my glucose too much taking vs not taking metformin, since I take Novolin insulin 70/30 30-35 units 3 times a day. I used to be able to take less insulin, but the prednisone made my insulin usage go up by about 50%. And now with less prednisone, and no metformin, same amount of insulin is working better to hold down my glucose levels.

My hands were seriously painful and swollen, now they are also better. I can slide my hands into each other, interlocking my fingers easily, that used to feel so tight. I still have middle finger movement issues and those fingers used to trigger lock, so my tendon is stuck - sticking the doctors say. And likely tenosynovitis too. But hands much better now than even a week ago.

So metoprolol did and maybe metformin also caused me joint pains. Who knows but maybe those drugs triggered me into PMR. Been off metformin for almost a week. And Methotrexate takes couple weeks to do anything

[Sophiestree]

It sounds like you have got to a good place and understand what is happening to your body. Just that alone can make you feel a little better, understanding what is what with everything. Long may it continue for you.

[sdowney717 in reply to Sophiestree]

Planning on asking rheumy to prescribe the 1mg pred pills ad drop to 4 next week

[sdowney717]

Metformin side effects! Myalgia and Diarrhea. I had issues with that just not extreme diarrhea over the years. I also read some posts about muscle wasting on Metformin.

So far I have eliminated Metoprolol and Metformin and feel better for it, IMO.

I was on Metformin for over 10 years, but recently had the does increased from 1500 to 2000 mg. I don't plan on taking it again. My glucoses have been decent in the am sometimes under 100.---------------------------------------------------------

My point is, some may be taking prescription drugs that make your pains worse.

Metformin msn.com/en-us/health/drugs/...

At A Glance

Brand Name: Glucophage · Fortamet · Glucophage XR · Glumetza · Riomet

Status: Active

Drug Class: Insulin Response Enhancers - Biguanides

Availability: Prescription sometimes needed

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Upper Respiratory Infection

Dysgeusia

Headache Disorder

Nausea

Vomiting

Flatulence

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Diarrhea

Abdominal Distension

Weight Loss

Rhinitis

Dyspepsia

Constipation

Dizziness

Palpitations

Flushing

Myalgia

Dyspnea

Nail Disorders

Hyperhidrosis

Chills

Flu-Like Symptoms

Acute Abdominal Pain

Hypoglycemic Disorder

Lactic Acidosis

Megaloblastic Anemia

Skin Rash

Drowsy

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Hepatocellular Damage

Cholestatic Hepatitis

Pruritus Of Skin

Urticaria