PMR struggles and weight gain.

[Catnap44]

I was diagnosed with polymyalga Rhumatica November 2023 after a lot of discussion with several professionals as many of you know it was agony.Was put on 15mg of Steroids which didn’t touch the pain,this made the doctors think it wasn’t polymyalga.After second opinion put me on 30mg steroids which helped greatly. unfortunately after about three weeks I began to feel terrible like walking about with a ton of bricks. Back to doctors said cut down steroids 5mg a week till I go down to 15 mg then 1mg a month now down to 6mg but have started to get pains in shoulders so have started taking One tramadol and one naproxen. Also I started to take the steroids at night.I must add they didn’t stop me sleeping. I know some people get hyper active but in my case the opposite. Unfortunately I developed a moon face or as my doctor said cushions face and is Red most of the time especially my cheeks with fluid retention under the eyes no to mention weight gain and struggling to loose it,I have lost half a stone since January. Have been very strict no biscuits cake chocolate or Alcohol,not even a Easter egg..Go to see Rheumatologist Friday

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi and welcome,

Maybe have a look at this for more info -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Let us know how the Rheumy appointment goes please.

And can I ask you don’t use your name as a post title..

a. It doesn’t bring up related posts, and

b. It’s for your security…

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You are not reducing the dose relentlessly to zero - you are looking for the lowest effective dose. Do I take it that you were reasonably symptom-free down to 7mg after needing extra to get things sorted out originally? If so - you have overshot the dose you need, It doesn't mean you won't get lower - just not yet.

I do wish they would read the 2015 Recommendation for managing PMR. 15mg is near the bottom of the starting dose range - it is often not enough to get things under control and until the accumulated inflammation is cleared out, many patients find the dose isn't enough.

[Sandradsn]

So you've reduced to 6mg since November 23?.It does seem very quick .Its usually recommended to take a slow reduction of pred!.I hope you get some good advice from the rheumatologist.

[alangg]

Yes - I think your reduction has been too quick. I started on 15mg which was sufficient for me and then I reduced over nearly 3 years to zero. Find a dose that works for you and then reduce by no more than 10% each time and use a tapering plan over at least 4 weeks staying on your new dose for a further 2 weeks before starting to reduce again.

[SudsSuds]

Hi and welcome, your mate along the road here. I won't use your name as DL said for security. You will find lots of help and support on here. Always happy to have a chat as well "face to face" because we can.

[Booch]

i had reaction to Naproxen (swelling). research says don't take if on Pred but two doctors gave it to me.