Hi can GCAand PMR goaway for good I would love to know if anyone has any info Thanks

[hiawatha]

Hi can this GCA and PMR go away for good I would love to know

[michaelegan]

The answer to your question is yes. My brother has been free of symptoms for years whereas I have had active sympton for over four years. I am still in hope that one day it will resolve. Until then I have a supportive GP who allows me to vary my prednisolone according to the severity of my symptons

[hiawatha in reply to michaelegan]

Thank you for your reply makes me feel better

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

hiawatha

I know of many people whose PMR and GCA has gone into remission, some several years ago and others in the last year or two - I have now been in remission since last July after 5+ years on steroids. So a resounding "Yes" is the answer to your question, but I believe we have to help it along the way by giving ourselves lots of TLC, concentrating on our diet and including a walk each day even on those days when pain allows you just 5-10 minutes. Importantly, stay positive - you will get there.

[hiawatha in reply to Celtic]

Thank you Celtic feel better about this

[Pipistrelle]

My understanding from rheumatologists is that it does go away permanently for the majority of people who get it -- however it isn't well understood. For some it is more severe than for others, too; for some PMR turns into GCA and vice versa. What we all hope for is more research, better understanding of the condition, and better outcomes for all of us with either of this dreadful conditions!

The highest rate of flares and relapses is in people who reduce their prednisone/go off it too quickly according to the studies I've looked at.

What I can say on a personal level is that a year ago, I could do little for the first few hours after waking due to stiffness and pain. Six months ago, I was still quite unstable on my feet and the PMR had caused inflammation and swelling around my knees (due to pre-existing bad knees...).

Then I started to rapidly improve and by 18 months after initial diagnosis and starting prednisalone at 15mg I'm down to 1.25 mg and just finished painting three rooms in the house -- something that I could not even have imagined doing a year ago. I wondered for months if I'd ever get below 10mg much less down around 1mg. I hope to be off preds entirely by my two year 'anniversary' of this unwanted visitor in my life.

So yes the programme for dealing with it does work for many, and from others I have met who have had this and had years now without it; yes it does go away permanently for many.

I totally agree that good diet, trying to stay in good weight, daily exercise no matter how gentle (you do warm up and I always found I had far less pain after a good walk or swim than before it!), and slow reductions of prednisone/prednisalone are the way to go.

[hiawatha in reply to Pipistrelle]

Thank you Pipistelle for your reply feel better light at end of tunnel

[2watsons]

Yes it is possible ,to be free of PMR i was for five years ,now back again with added problem giant Cell ,and have loss sight in one eye [this does not happen often ]I am now back on prednisolone 9mg started six months ago on 60mg ,reducing slow ,with hepl from Doctor ,so good luck ,think free soon .

[hiawatha in reply to 2watsons]

Thank you 2watson it will be worth the battle