Fatigue, depression, pain, etc - when does it end?
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I've recently been diagnosed with PMR after contracting it during covid in Aug 2020. Took months to figure it out. I've been on prednisone now for six months. Still can't get below 9mg without terrible fatigue and pain coming right back. I'm not sure which is worse the side effects from prednisone or the disease itself. I have massive problems with fatigue and depression. I live in Kansas and the heat and humidity makes it near impossible for me to go outside, I can't handle it. I sweat just trying to do simple things like get ready for work or doing dishes, etc. I've gained 35 lbs and still counting. I don't eat anymore than before but no matter what I do the weight just keeps creeping up. I was already overweight now that has added to my list of issues. I get winded easier and can't do much without having to sit and rest. I'm growing a pretty good beard and my acne is worse than ever before and I'm damn near 60 years old. This has ruined my life and I feel helpless. Yes the prednisone helps the pain but what about the rest of this mess. When does it get better? Then I get mad at myself for getting on my pitty pot when so many people are much worse off than myself but it's very hard to stay positive. Does anyone have any advice? I don't go back to the Rheumatologist until Sept.
0 likes, 3 replies
Anhaga felice17019
Edited
You will find an active and helpful community at HealthUnlocked. I can't provide a link (it will be deleted) but just google HealthUnlocked and look for the PMRGCAuk community.
What dose of prednisone are you on? Usually as you taper to lower doses the more annoying side effects go away, but it is important to taper slowly in small steps so that the good which pred can do in managing the pain-causing inflammation remains.
felice17019 Anhaga
Edited
Thanks, I will check that out. I've been on 10 mg/day. Reduced to 9. Reduced again to 8 and pain came right back. Dr told me to go back to 9 for another 2-4 weeks. Which I did. Reduced this Monday down to 8, so far so good but last time it was about 5 days before pain came back. Last Friday, Sat and Sun felt like I had flu, no energy, depressed, everything was a struggle. I have that often, at least every 2 weeks. Most days are not like that but when they are it is terrible. The biggest annoyance is the fatigue, weight gain, and the pulsiatic tennitis in my left ear and blurred vision sometimes. The fatigue is part of the PMR but it is also a side effect of the prednisone so hard to say if or when it will get better. I'm going to try and work thru the pain this time a few more days and hope it goes away. I've been reading that most people are able to get over the hill.
Thanks for replying! I think it will be helpful to talk to others with the same issues. I appreciate it.
Anhaga felice17019
Posted
My name over there is HeronNS. I'm sure there are others who have gone through the same symptoms so you will get lots of support! I do have to caution you, however, that you should only give yourself about five days and if the pain doesn't lessen, then you know it's the PMR, not pred withdrawal. If it gets worse at any point, same thing. Pred withdrawal shouldn't last long nor continuously worsen.