Help - I may have PM !! I'm a runner

https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk/posts/140693358/exercising-with-pmr?responses=140695863

is a relevant discussion on another forum. Nick is also on here and I'm sure will comment.

Bear in mind that untreated PMR is 7x more likely to progress to GCA than when you are on pred - no, pred doesn't cure but it does suppress the inflammation which can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to considerable problems later. It is not a simple case of pred bad, no pred good. Most adverse effects can be managed or minimised and severe ones are rare.

I echo all of the above. Although I cannot pretend to be in any way athletic I understand your concerns, I managed to keep working in quite a high pressured job without a day off and didnt put on any weight. Yes I was careful and my downsides have only been when I tried to reduce too quickly. Please listen to your own body and the very good advice given on this site. As stated Eileen is such a font of knowlege and such a help.

Good luck and font despair!

Hi Tonchee, I am 81 year old an avid cyclist and ski instructor, who ended up in a wheelchair with uncontrolled PMR inflammation, but with Prednisone and an anti-inflammatory diet I have been able to have a very normal live. I have not missed a season skiing or cycling. I believe a lot has to do with a frame of mind, it you believe you can do it chances are you can. Try to stay active, not over doing it, positive with a smile on your face, it helps. Good luck, do not be afraid of the steroids they will control the inflammation, which is very necessary. 🙂

As you say steroids do not cure you but they definitely make you life worth living again. Remember if you have PMR you are ill so you cannot assume you can carry on life as if nothing has happened. I have lost count of the people who have come on this board saying can they get away without pred, then three months later say they have given in and are now taking it. If you have PMR there is no cure, although it can go into remission, this can be in as little as two years although on average it is 5.9 years. There also is no real diagnosis for PMR. Blood tests can give an indicator but twenty percent of people do not have raised indicators which makes life a bit more difficult when diagnosing, although from what you say you do seem to have symptoms of PMR.

Hi, I can only echo the experience of others. Diagnosed 13 months ago at age 63, I have continued to do as much exercise as previously. I'm just about to complete a 110 mile long distance walk (albeit over 10 days) and have a 180 mile 4 day bike ride planned for July. Not up to your standard of performance but as already mentioned, enough to release those endorphins and give oneself some pride in one's physical ability. I have gained quite a lot of weight but at the same time I have definitely over indulged so take most of the blame.

Good luck with your journey. Take the steroids.

I can understand your reluctance to start taking steroids. In hindsight I wish I hadn't BUT I have to say that I have been virtually pain free for most of the 2 years I have had PMR. I wish I had had the protocol I am about to refer you to at the beginning . BUT again a rider - if you are retired and can ride out any pain this may work but if you have to keep working then maybe the steroids are the way to go? Steroids help you to live a fairly normal life so long as you remember the key is to REST, REST & REST!!

I was researching "serrapeptase" recently and came across this herbalist's blog on littleherbalnz she has had PMR and outlines a protocol to follow using some of her products but mostly just a vitamin supplement course. Read her blog on PMR but remember that what works for one may not work for you!

Many of us exercise with PMR, so that should not be a concern. There needs to be an adjustment to the way you train. Because of PMR, you have to start slow and test your limits, just like you would do after injury. PMR does impact our ability to exercise at high levels, but moderate exercise is actually beneficial for PMR recovery. After you get proper diagnosis, please come back and ask questions and we will try to help here. Fear from steroids are overblown and recent study published by Mayo clinic indicates that there is NO major difference in health condition between people on moderate dose of prednisone and general population ( apart from higher incidents of cataract). Weight gain is not immanent, especially if you are active and it can be controlled by proper diet. For example, I have not gain any weight and have been on pred for 3.5 years. But I do exercise - couple of bike rides 90 min each and swim at least once a week (2-5-3km - 60 min). I also walk 5-6 km each day. With that kind of activity I don't have to worry about calories and pretty much can eat normal diet.

Hi All,

I'm still on treatment on breast cancer and receiving Herceptin after chemo. I've had no ill effects from the pred, though was probably too ambitious and premature in trying to get down from 5 to 4.5mg 4 weeks after some reconstructive surgery to reshape a mastectomy I had 12 months ago. Then I fell and hurt my back quite badly. So far 5 mg is holding off the inflammation but I think I'll wait a few more weeks before trying to get down to 4.5mg again.

Keeping positive enjoying my garden and dog and the support of friends and family. PMR is manageable, and all the folks on this site give great support.