Is it a flare if my SED rate and CRP are normal?

Is it certain it is PMR? That is the wrong way round - you start at 15-20mg and then you should be able to reduce slowly to a longer term lower dose. This sounds more like another inflammatory arthritis - and they can present very similarly. One version can also happen for a short time then quieten down before reappearing and would also respond quite well to pred initially.

When first diagnosed I had all the symptoms of PMR.  Elevated CRP and SED rate.  Severe pain in shoulders lower back and thighs.  I could barely walk especially first thing in the morning, could not bend over, extreme fatigue and weight loss.  As soon as I started on Predisome I could have climbed a mountain.  I have always had arthritis in my right hand but now that day of it in my left hand is something new.

now you have me wondering and Indont know where to go with it.

Yes I was diagnosed with PMR by one of the top, best of the best, rheumatologist in the country. I read allot about others going to higher doses than 15,17.5, 20mg's, before tapering down. It seems as though, as with many diseases, the treatment varies among the specialists treating the illness. I do have a lymphoma, very rare, Waldenstrom's Macroglobulianemia. I'm on an oral chemo. med. which keeps all my numbers where they need to be. It has been highly successful. There are many similar symptoms to PMR, but my oncologist was certain something else was going on, thus referring me to the rheumatologist finding the PMR. I'll have an answer today as to an increase or not will be ordered. Thanks

My question wasn't to you Audrey - it was to reggie. You definitely sound a PMR candidate!!

This "new, improved" layout is a menace!!!!! People don't get who a post was a reply to - it's rubbish!

Eileen,

i thought you were responding to me and now I see it was Reggie.

i initially started at 20 and a month or so later at 13 I had a very bad flare. Went back to 20 and a couple months later at 10 I had another bad flare.

they put me on 25 and this past week or so ago I started to flare again.  I tried to live with it but each day it had gotten worse.  It had taken me 6 months to get from 25 to 10. I just raised it to 13?today and if that works after a couple of weeks go down to 11 which is where I last felt comfortable.

i do not have a doctor who understands the condition which is upsetting.

Hi Reggie,

where do u live, is in the US?  If it's anywhere near Florida I'd like to go to that Doctor.  

Audrey, His office is at Rush Univ. Hospital, Chicago, we're in eastern mid-MI but happily make the trip to be able to work with him. My WM specialist is alsoi at Rush so I can see them both on same trip. I'm very fortunate to have such knowledgeable, compassionate, medical experts. Thanks too on sharing your prednisone dosage info. I feel my doc. will up me also. The definite PMR symptoms have been coming back over the past 7-days or so. Thanks, Reggie