The Continuing Cycle

Hello all,

I am a realist, and while i want to think PMR is a singular event, I believe when experienced, it is a lifetime resident, hopefully quiet and not too obnoxious. To wit:

I'm a 68 y.o. male in Florida, USA. I've had 2 significant bouts with PMR/ RS3PE, one un-diagnosed at 53, one misdiagnosed then correctly diagnosed at 64. I've written poems here about club zero and another.

I'm writing this to say that I've grown sensitive to the initial symptoms which imperceptibly pre announce the arrival of PMR misery. For me, it is bilateral Hip pain and /or bilateral osteo inflammation. I have suspected that very low dose prednisone (>4 mg/ day) can cause  suppression of the "spiraling up" of the full blown PMR symptoms.

Specific example: about a week ago, I had familiar bi-lateral hip pain. Waited a few days, for self confirmation, it was increasing, and then started 4 mg pred/ day. Full remission in 2 days. I will begin a slow taper after a week, and hopefully, I suppressed a flare. There is some literature which supports this approach. I has worked a few times for me.

I've had this unhappy traveling companion, PMR/RS3PE, for 15 years, and probably will be with me until I depart. I just want to be able to keep him quiet, and maybe this method will help a few of you. By the way, I can't rely blood tests to confirm, since I'm largely seronegative for PMR.

Good luck to you all, fellow travelers, Thank you for your contributions . This forum is the single most informative and helpful travel guide I've found for my journey.

Dan

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