Stress gets me again!

[Hunter134]

I have been feeling more pain than usual in tops of both sides of legs and ankles.Ive been on Prednisone for almost 6 years.I thought maybe it's just old age.Was in pain walking.Like others Iam in a stressful time and I then thought it could be a flare.Tired of the yo yoing but upped my Prednisone from 7 mg to 11 mg and feeling better.Has anyone else struggled this long?It seems it will never end.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have had PMR for about 20+ years, been on pred 16 years - could be more in both cases, I've lost count. There are quite a few on the forum who are at over 10 years and counting.

[Kendrew]

Hi Hunter134,

I was diagnosed with PMR in May 2019 so I'll be coming up to 6yrs in a few months.

It's been (and remains) a roller coaster ride of emotions, wellness, illness, fear, confidence and a host of other overwhelming, confusing and frustrating situations that repeatedly throw 'curved balls' at me!

In those early days after diagnosis, I naively decided I'd be off the steroids within a few months. This of course didn't happen and I quickly realised that I was in for the long haul.

Once I accepted this, I immediately felt more in control of both my condition and my pred management.

There have been many challenging times when I've struggled to think positively, and this has made it far too easy to forget about the 'well' days and all the little triumphs.

It's incredibly frustrating when you feel things are improving, only to be suddenly faced with another problem emerging, but I realise that I'm 6yrs older (soon to be 67) and some of my aches & pains would probably be manifesting now even without PMR.

I manage my PMR, one day at a time, rejoicing on the good days and enduring the bad ones.

I feel strong in the knowledge though, that it's widely thought that the average duration of PMR is approximately 5yrs to 7yrs and for most people, the PMR WILL eventually diminish.

So, I remain hopeful about the future and although you're feeling despondent at the moment, I hope you also will be able to in time.

For most people recovery is a VERY slow process but not an impossible one.

I hope things improve for you soon and wish you well.

[Hunter134 in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you for such an inspirational reply.You have the right attitude and some days I do too.Iam better able to handle my sickness than I am my families health.I have daughter in law getting chemo and a granddaughter was diagnosed with PCOS.She will get her biopsy results next week.We gladly take them to their appointments but it does effect me mentally.

[Kendrew in reply to Hunter134]

That's a lot to be dealing with on top of your own health concerns, and must feel very overwhelming at times. I'm really sorry to hear of your family 'situation'.

Sadly, so many of us here find ourselves having to also deal with other family & life 'traumas', all of which impact on our own health and recovery. All we can do is manage these situations one day at a time whilst still attempting to support our own health requirements.

It's definitely not easy, which is why it's so important to lean on and 'use' any network of support you have around you, and not be afraid to ask for help. I hope you have some friends or family around who can support you too.

No one can get through this alone.

We all need some support at times and I definitely have found so much of that help from this forum...... with reliable, trustworthy advice, regular reassurance, kindness and empathy, and new friendships forged.

Remember....one day at a time!

[Hunter134 in reply to Kendrew]

I think it's realistic to believe as we age so do our children.My granddaughter is only 30.She went to a gynaecologist to try have a baby to be told she can't due to her PCOS.Then needed 2 biopsies.Since I raised her for 18 years she wants me at her appointments.So it's me that heard her screams.Thank you for your inspiration and I ll pray for them❤️

[Kendrew in reply to Hunter134]

That must have been so difficult. You're clearly a resilient person so hang on to that and you'll get through.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hunter134]

Sorry to hear about your DIL and granddaughter’s situations, best wishes for both of them.. and yes a stressful time for you… 🌸

[readingbooks in reply to Hunter134]

PCOS ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to readingbooks]

polycystic ovarian syndrome

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to readingbooks]

Polycyclic Ovary Syndrome -

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[marionofnorwich]

I am experiencing similar feelings, some if which i put down to my adrenal glands/hormones not giving me the life support i need. I have a learning disabled daughter who lives in her own flat but is heavily dependent on me to help her sort out any issues. Recent stress with her benefits sent me (not normally prone to anxiety) into a tail spin which is all bound up with my own vulnerability. It us very disconcerting but i keep telling myself that it will normalise and spring is nearly here

[Hunter134 in reply to marionofnorwich]

I guess all we can do is our best.My granddaughter I raised for 18 years and she suffers from anxiety as I do.The family knows if her biopsy is cancer she won't be strong.Hoping she ll fight.She s only 30 .You are an angel for all you do for your daughter.Great mom!

[marionofnorwich]

Well and you too. It is such bad luck to get cancer at such a young age. Hopefully she will find the will to live and that things settle for both you, her and your family. Life can be tough at times, as well as inspirational