Like many here I'm trying to stretch out the last years with some activity.
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It seems that PMR and pred will fight me all the way. Two and a half years since onset and almost two years since Dx and start of pred. I am down to 6 mg now getting ready with my Rheumy's blessing to drop to 5 1/2. I have the usual set of side effects, if there is a usual set. But two months ago the left hip started giving a problem when putting weight down. Had to stop tennis and even used a cane some of the time for balance. The rest period and some tramadol now and then have removed about 80% of the problem, But then the knees went into pain mode a couple of weeks ago. I reviewed my xray from 30 nov last year "Impression: Mild bilateral osteoarthritis" I could bore you with the entire conclusion, but it did not indicate anything to give ny current symptoms. So my post is asking if there is any indication from anyones experience to point to a flare? And how many of you helpfull folks experiment with your dose to validate your suspicions.
Paul
1 like, 10 replies
judytal paul45653
Posted
I had really severe fatigue but thank God that is gone. I try to walk on treadmill 20 mins every day and do some core work. BUT. I'm not back to my self yet. I believe there is still something in my body that is causing all this grief. Will it ever go away? I'm trying to stay positive,,,,
all the best to you with your decision.
tavidu paul45653
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constance.de paul45653
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The experts say the only way to deal with OA is to excercise. All very well, if you can! On some days I'm in agony (hips, knees and ankles). I have had atypical PMR for nearly 4 years and sometimes can't tell whether it's that causing me such pain or the PMR. I used to be able to tell the difference quite easily (muscle rather than bone!), but as the OA has got worse I find it more and more difficult to differentiate.
You might find it helpful to join the OA forum - lots of advice/help on there.
Good luck!
Constance
Anhaga constance.de
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constance.de Anhaga
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Constance
EileenH Anhaga
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A study did show it helped residents in care homes with balance and reduced fall rates.
constance.de EileenH
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EileenH paul45653
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Alternatively, it could be either myofascial pain syndrome or piriformis syndrome, both of which can cause referred pain into the hips and even as far down to the knees and ankles by irritating nerves and muscles.
I. and several others with similar symptoms, have benefitted from Bowen therapy. It dosesn't do a lot for PMR per se - but it can help the add-ons which can lead to symptoms that are very similar to a flare. A good physio who understands the problems that go alongside PMR is invaluable - finding one is another matter. Ordinary physio is NOT the answer so be very wary, be sure the physio DOES get the concept of PMR and muscles that are acutely intolerant of exercise.
dan38655 EileenH
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I did find that adding just 1mg of pred to my daily 3.5mg cleared up the severe hip joint pain the very next day, so perhaps a slight adjustment to dosage is all that is needed.
I don't ask anyone before adjusting my dosage. I experience random changes in my dosage requirement, so adjust my dosage immediately in real time. Usually a 1mg "boost" works wonders, and is only needed for one or two days.
I will be seeing my rheumy for blood work for the first time in two years this week. I was given the usual prescription of 15mg/day, to be reduced by 1mg/month, but that prescription began needing adjustments after I got down to 5mg, and perhaps should have been adjusted sooner. But there is no way that a doctor can know what small dosage adjustments will be needed along the way. That seems best determined by the patient, with the doctor kept informed at some regular intervals, especially when difficulties and/or higher dosages are involved.
paul45653
Posted