Going in the right direction

[SpaghettiWestern99]

Since joining the PMR journey in Aug, I’ve been off work as I get grips with the condition, the use of Pred and rehabilitation. I am 52.

This week, at my latest doctor’s appointment, we’ve agreed I can move down from 8mg to 7mg in the coming weeks and that I can return to work in Jan.

Taking the advice given here, I’ll be moving from 8 > 7.5 > 7 mg. Finger crossed.

I’m also able to report that after slowly building up, I’m able to swim, cycle, run, row & walk with increasing regularity and distance. I still need a sleep most afternoons though.

It’s not been easy and there is a long way to go yet, but I wanted to share some positive thoughts and thank this forum for the support.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good news…. but still make sure you don’t be too gung ho when you return to work… your PMR is still there- and needs controlling. But it’s certainly step forward.

Best of luck.

[SpaghettiWestern99 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL, wise words of caution are being headed.

Return to work will be phased and assumes I don’t have any issues between now and Jan 🫣

[SheffieldJane]

Good luck on going! Nice to have a hand holding doctor.

[SpaghettiWestern99]

Thanks,

It certainly helps to have accessible and supportive doc along with everyone here

[Merryfield]

Congratulations on your physical accomplishments!

[Janet57]

it sounds like you are doing really well but don’t be in a rush to go back to work. I truly believe that because I persisted in returning too quickly to a high pressure job it elongated my condition. If you can return partially or limited hours that might help. I wish you well.

[SpaghettiWestern99 in reply to Janet57]

Hi Janet57 ,

Thanks for the comments.

Everyone is saying take your time and prioritise you. I’ve found it tough letting go of work to recover, especially the feeling of guilt and the fear of missing out.

I’m still learning on my PMR journey and understand that I can’t control the disease. I’ve not reacted well to the Pred side effects, however I seem to be getting more consistent periods of good days and the down periods are less servere.

If this continues I should be able to have a phased return in the new year, if not then my health comes first.

[Janet57]

Health does come first. I found that when I went back, albeit on a phased return, everyone expected me to be 100% and I wasn’t. It was a strange feeling and took me a while to come to terms with it. Definitely don’t feel guilty - you’ve nothing to be guilty about. Just because you look fine you may be not. That’s what others find hard to understand. All the best with your recovery and return to work.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Above all - never forget that this tapering lark is not aiming relentlessly for zero. DON'T reduce the dose to a level that is then not enough to allow a return to work and remember that once you are working again, you MIGHT need a bit more. Most people who work do seem to need a tad more!

[SpaghettiWestern99]

Thanks PMRpro ,

It’s certainly a learning journey and I’ve told work we’ll need to plan for days when PMR decides it’s going to be naughty.