New to the group

[Thepreacher]

Hello, I am grateful to be with you as support through this journey. I was diagnosed with PMR 3wks ago via elevated sedation rate and CRP. I also had classic sudden onset symptoms. I was started on 20mg of prednisone which helped but the mornings were still rough for 1-3hrs. I was seen again yesterday and CRP continues to climb but sed rate was dropping. Pred was increased to 40mg and this morning I woke up almost a pain free! I will be rechecked in a week to see how things are progressing. I know this will be a long road and tapering may be difficult. I also have Hoshimotos which was stable for several years but not in the past year. At this time, TSH is high, T3 is low and T4 is normal. The prednisone side effects are scary but I am determined to do all I can to assist with this process, I am now on a no salt, no sugar, low carb and only healthy fat diet which is not a big change for me but I am more determined on the low salt then in the past. I am an active 64yo but have had a lot of stress in the past few years with the care of my elderly Mom who has passed last June and a husband who has liver CA and is in line for a liver transplant. I am also a sole business owner who is easing into retirement. I have to say I was shocked at the sudden onset of shoulder pain which quickly moved into my neck, chest and groin area. It was debilitating. I live on a small farm with livestock so hard work is part of my day. I also am a daily walker of 3 dogs. Hard to navigate. I look forward to the support from this group. Thank you!

[piglette]

My gosh, you have got a lot to contend with, particularly as the PMR mantra is rest, rest, rest. I am glad that you are feeling a bit better now you are taking pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi and welcome,

As piglette has said you certainly have a lot to contend with, so best of luck with PMR joining the mix… hopefully you may be one of the luckier ones that has an easier ride than others.

If you have time then do read the FAQs section, and maybe have a look through this for general info on what may lie ahead -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome - Good to know you are on a dose that really improves the pain but sorry it is so high. Has your doctor though about investigating you for a bit more than "just" PMR because LVV (large vessel vasculitis) has to be a possibility when you need so much pred. It is still pred for management but in the USA you have Actemra and Kevzara available to you as well.

[hill-walker]

Welcome Thepeacher! This forum is a great place for support and info. I'm glad you found it. I hope you find some opportunities to rest and care for yourself despite your life challenges. Your PMR will thank you.

[lovemylife23]

I'm so sorry you are dealing with a new diagnosis. My PMR began at 56 after caring for my aging parents, dismantling the family home of 45 years and 60 years of marriage and moving mom in with us. My husband too has a CA diagnosis and add 7 "almost" adult children and work. I firmly believe stress was the trigger and that it hampers healing. I'm in the US and am on Kevzara (almost 1 year now) because I just couldn't taper off of the steroids. I took my last Prednisone last month and so far so good. Lean in to the relief of the meds while you take care of yourself inside and out.

I wrestled with the side effects of the Prednisone and tried diet etc..., but in the end, it was a matter of being able to function and live some resemblance of my former life. Without the meds, I was miserable. Please give yourself as much grace as you can (that too will increase over time as you realize it is what you need). Hopefully, you will be on the short journey of this PMR. I'm so sorry you are here, but this forum saved me. Ask questions and Look up the FAQs and old files and posts. Search for words that you may have in common with others like thyroid, etc...

Prayers for a quick recovery!