Jeanne
Hi everyone! Have been dealing with PMR since Jan. 2003. Needed some support so found this forum. Looks like a good source to share complaints and news. And maybe make some new friends! Anyway, presently am on 5 mg of prednisone everyday for PMR, Fosomax for bones, Mobic for inflammation(Vioxx was tried but gave me severe gastrointestinal problems), Tylenol arthritis strength for pain, multivitamin, calcium supplements, and occasional sleeping aid when needed. My rheumotologist keeps trying to get the prednisone down to 5 mg every other day, but everytime I try it, I get big time flareups about a week later. I have to assume that my body is not ready for the decrease, so I am staying on the 5 mg everyday for a while. Sed rate is still elevated but not to an extreme, CRP is elevated too. Had high triglyceride level so need to lower my intake of carbs and exercise more often. Was prescribed physical therapy for shoulder pain and tried it ONCE! Went into a BIGTIME flareup! The therapist had no clue about PMR and treated me as if I had a rotor cuff problem! So now I exercise at home doing Range Of Motion exercises for all joints everyday, walk everyday, garden, whatever EVERYDAY! It's important to move about everyday, even if it hurts, or else you will lose muscle tone resulting in a longer recovery time. You know your own body and know just how much exercise it will deal with. Thanks for sharing and listening. Please keep in touch, as this disorder is so frustrating and debilitating, and sharing helps so much. I have gone from being a very strong active person to a "gee, I don't know if I'll feel like doing that today" person, and even family members react like you are just "being sick again"! I sympathize with you all!