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Flare or normal aches and pains?

Posted , 2 users are following.

renee39320
renee39320

after 18 months with PMR, I'm down to 1mg of prednisone. How do I know if I'm having a flare or normal aches and pains? My wrists and knees hurt but absolutely tolerable. If I were going to have a flare, how long after lowering the dose does a flare occur? I've had aches and pains all along but I attributed it to overdoing my activities!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga renee39320

    Posted

    I hope by now you've got a reply somewhere.  Usually you would feel some pred withdrawal discomfort almost right away, but that should ease after a few days.  If the discomfort got worse, then it's more likely to be a flare of the PMR and you'd need to increase your dose to where you last felt comfortable.  I note you attribute your pain to overactivity.  It's really important to be kind to yourself so that the inflamed tissues can settle down and heal.  We all have a tendency to do too much when we feel better.  You are at a very low dose for only 18 months!  My doctor told me at the very beginning that many of her patients just keep a supply of 1 mg tablets even after they're off pred, to deal with any possible flares.  So I wouldn't be surprised if you actually need a bit more for a while longer.  

    • renee39320
      renee39320 Anhaga

      Posted

      Thanks for answering me back! You're the only one! I am feeling good and am now taking 1/2 mg. The aches and pains I have, my dr attributed to steroidal myopathy. My muscles have gotten VERY weak. She suggested a personal trainer, but I would rather have physical therapy first. I will be starting PT after I get back from my trip to Morocco! I am bringing a supply of prednisone just in case!

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga renee39320

      Posted

      Yes the muscles do seem to suffer from prednisone.  If you get physiotherapy be careful to avoid a lot of repetitive exercises.  If PMR is still active they can actually make things worse.  Helping with range of motion and gentle exercise at least to start will be best.  I had physio before I knew I had PMR and it was not a pretty result.  But my current therapist is a treasure!  Good idea to have a discussion with any therapist before starting to make sure they really understand what your body has been through and what will work to help you.  It's not the same as treating after an "ordinary" injury.  You could also consider tai chi and Nordic walking, they both work gently to improve muscle strength.  I've been on pred since June '15, currently at 3 mg.  I'm not as strong as I was before pred, even with undiagnosed PMR, but I don't think I'm getting any worse now, maybe slightly improved.

      Have a super trip.  Good idea to have the pred with you!

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