PMR, Prednisone, sore throat

Hi, Kathy - I have had PMR since June of 2015 ( or at least that was when I was diagnosed with it).  I am in a taper from 7 to 6 mg.  I did have the acid reflux, but that was soon after I was diagnosed and started the prednisone - I had that problem for 3 or 4 months - I noticed an improvement in October or November and it has not cropped up since.  I realize my time frame is not exactly yours, but that is the information I can discuss in my case.  Good luck!

Kathy,

I have GCA and PMR although the PMR has only flared up once in the last few years. My GCA which came first in June 2009 has come back four times and I've been on as much as 80 mg. pred and 1 ml metx. I'm now down to 30 mg and .8 ml. I started having mouth problems a few months ago - burning sensation mostly of the front of my tongue. Also some upper pallate and throat soreness. I was diagnosed by my GP as having thrush which is a fungus. My GP explained it was because my immune system was being knocked down and I've been swishing nystatin which has helped. I also have reflux and take omeprozole 40 mg which works but now I hear it's not good for dementia. My mom developed mild Alzheimers in her early 80's before she passed away from lupus and my dad and I played Jeopardy the night before he died at 95 and he was sharp. Don't know what to do about the reflux which started in my 30's and I'm now 70. I'm now taking actemra injections (3 so far) every other week to try to get my pred down without flares. I've put on a tremendous amount of weight and can't seem to control my eating. It's effected my breathing and makes it hard to exercise let alone walk without huffing and puffing. I've been normal weight all my life and athletic and this is depressing me which leads to more eating. Help! I am taking an antidepressent (tried a few different ones) but still craving food especially sweets.

I don't know if this helps you at all - could be an infection? I didn't mean to ramble on with my problems but that's what this site is for. Thank you all who contribute. Jan

Ranitidine is safer and very effective for the acid reflux and other symptoms of tummy problems from Prednisolone. I refused Omeprazole because of the side effects and use Ranitidine when necessary. Hope that helps.

I have been taking pantoprazole for acid reflux years before my diagnosis with PMR/RA. That has helped keep any side effect at bay. Pred does a number on your stomach, so does methotrexate.