Polmyaligia rheumatica

Vanessa

I do not want to dampen down your spirits in anyway at all, but your Mother could be in for a long haul.

PMR does not vanish overnight. Currently there is no known cause or cure for PMR or GCA.

Prednisolone is excellent for relieving the symptons of PMR but it is not a cure and it comes with side-effects. Please read the leaflet which accompanies the tablets.

I would also recommend that your Mother sees a Consultant Rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that she has a blood test which includes CPR rate which is one of the best indicators of PMR.

Good luck

Grumpy Cat

I too have PMR. My GP is trying to balance the prednisolone. Started at 30mg and now down to 15mg. I have gained weight and wondered if anyone can advise whether I will lose this eventually?? Help. It can be distressing.

Chisnal

Re your query regarding weight gain caused by Prednisolone, I have been on Prednisolone for PMR and GCA for approaching 2 years, starting on 40mgs. The weight does increase at first, mostly on the face and stomach areas. I watched my diet like mad and have gained between 2 and 5lbs, yo-yoing depending on what I eat. However, from reading other people's experiences, it seems that whilst some people gain a lot of weight, others gain none. The problem is that when you first start on a high dose you feel so hungry you could eat a horse! That's the difficult bit and knowing the right and wrong things to eat. However, as you come down on the dose it will be easier to lose the extra weight, albeit it is still necessary to eat a healthy and non-fattening diet! I am now down (again)to 4mgs for the last 3 weeks (the same dosage as exactly a year ago) after being on 5mgs for over 5 months. However, today I am feeling more discomfort and just hoping that it's just a blip and that I wont get a repeat of increasing pain and the subsequent raised ESR and CRP blood test markers of a year ago. Once on Prednisolone, decreasing the dose very gradually is the most important factor. Hope this helps.

Mrs O

I am now on my second bout of PMR after 2 years of treatment then over 3 years clear of it The first time I did gain weight but I was quite down with it and felt part of the problem was self made This time I have been on steroids for 8 weeks and have been very careful and havent gained anything I was on 20mg for the first month then after blood tests down to 15mg My Doctor is excellent and I always have monthly blood tests and before if my tests hadnt improved there was no reduction in medication and it was a very gradual reduction and I didnt have to increase medication at all I do think you have to work at this illness You have to accept it is an immune system disease and rest DONT overdo it even though steroids do make you feel a bit hyper I have found and also obviously watch what you eat I have read a low carb diet is best on steroids and I am certainly following that now I think part of the problem is that once the majority of people start on steroids they feel so good they forget that they are ill and dont look after themselves properly Im trying to avoid people with colds and flu if possible !!! and get of the steroids as soon as I can Best wishes and Good Luck to all fellow sufferers

[quote:7a6506570e=\"Mrs G\"]I am now on my second bout of PMR after 2 years of treatment then over 3 years clear of it The first time I did gain weight but I was quite down with it and felt part of the problem was self made This time I have been on steroids for 8 weeks and have been very careful and havent gained anything I was on 20mg for the first month then after blood tests down to 15mg My Doctor is excellent and I always have monthly blood tests and before if my tests hadnt improved there was no reduction in medication and it was a very gradual reduction and I didnt have to increase medication at all I do think you have to work at this illness You have to accept it is an immune system disease and rest DONT overdo it even though steroids do make you feel a bit hyper I have found and also obviously watch what you eat I have read a low carb diet is best on steroids and I am certainly following that now I think part of the problem is that once the majority of people start on steroids they feel so good they forget that they are ill and dont look after themselves properly Im trying to avoid people with colds and flu if possible !!! and get of the steroids as soon as I can Best wishes and Good Luck to all fellow sufferers[/quote:7a6506570e]