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PMR, Prednisone, arthritis

Posted , 5 users are following.

kathy67492
kathy67492

I have had PMR for about 18 mos. I am on 8 mg of pred daily. I had mild arthritis before my disgnosis, but now notice that my arthritis in my hands, feet and knees is getting worse....imagine it is from the lower dose of prednisone. Is this typical for those of us who have arthritis in addition to the PMR?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • linda06830
    linda06830 kathy67492

    Posted

    Hi Kathy:  I, too, have had PMR about that long and currently taking 9.5 mg. of prednisone.  I had slight arthritis in my hands and it has gotten progressively worse as I try and lower my dosage and my knees have started aching.  Guess I don't have any words of wisdom except my rheumatologist wants me to take methotrexate injections as the pills really messed with my digestive system.  Guess I will hold off as long as I can on trying that again.  Perhaps your doc. can give you something for the osteo arthritis as you go down.  Love this forum; I have gotten more info off of this site than I ever have gotten from any doctor.  Hang in there.
    • kathy67492
      kathy67492 linda06830

      Posted

      Thank you Linda...I will see my rheumy in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile I will have the SynviscOne shots in my knees on Wednesday. Great to you your inout.
  • Danrower
    Danrower kathy67492

    Posted

    Hi Kathy

    I, too have osteo and pmr, and the pmr seems to exacerbate my osteo. So, the "normal" inflamation of osteo is multiplied by the pmr. Pred reduces the inflamation, but since my PMR started, the osteo is worse. Have had osteo for 20 years, This bout with PMR 18 months, down to 6 mg/day pred.

    I suppose it's my new norm. 

     

    • kathy67492
      kathy67492 Danrower

      Posted

      How happy for you that you are down to 6 mg!....something to look forward to. I am going to be very cautious about tapering.
  • tony09890
    tony09890 kathy67492

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with PMR about 4 weeks ago but today when I saw my Doc he now doesn't believe it to be PMR and has referred me to a Rheumatologist..   I've been on prednisone for about 4 weeks (15mg) and during that time OA in thumb, neck and elbow have gotten much worse.   So if I don't have PMR it could be the prednisone.
  • EileenH
    EileenH kathy67492

    Posted

    Quite a few people have said much the same - pred does also help with OA pain as, while it isn't caused by an autoimmune but a mechanical process, it is still inflammation due to the lack of cartilage. The standard approach for OA is painkillers (primarily paracetamol) and lifestyle factor management - I find reading the protocol from NICE quite depressing to be honest! 

    However - are you SURE it is OA? Could it be the PMR? I had awful problems with PMR in feet and hands that were dismissed (I don't use the word lightly by the way) as OA by the first rheumy I saw who totally missed the PMR which had already been there for a year or so. I also had problems in one knee in particular - all solved with pred and none of them have returned at 4mg. The pains were tendonitis and synovitis - both part of PMR. It is possible.

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