I finally found a site with people who share and understand my pain!
I am a 62 year old female who had to retire in 2008 because of PMR.
3 years ago last April I found I was having difficulty just getting up out of my chair. A few mornings later I was experiencing pain in my shoulders, hips, thighs, and could not lift my arms or legs. Panic.
I was teaching third grade and could hardly get myself ready in the morning to get to school. My internist wasn't sure what I had and put me in physical therapy which didn't help. He then sent me to the hospital for a cortisone shot in my back. I couldn't even move to get myself on the table for that. The nurses had to turn me over like a pancake!
30 minutes later I felt relief from the pain and I could move. I thought I was cured!
When the cortisone wore off I was back to pain and immobility.
I searched on the internet and finally found the symptoms for PMR. I discussed it with my internist who sent me to a rhematologist who confirmed PMR. High SED rate and the relief I felt after the cortisone shot was enough to convince both doctors.
I've been on prednisone for over 3 years. One year ago today I felt like I was having a stroke. I went to the hospital and after testing it was confirmed that I had Bell's Palsy. How do they treat Bell's Palsy? With prednisone! But I was already ON PREDNISONE!
So up the dosage went again. My BPalsy is still with me even after a year. I do have more mobility on the left side of my face and my smile has come back, but not fully. I'm seeing a specialist to retrain my nerves but it is a slow process.
I am down to 2.5 mg per day which is the lowest I can go without experiencing dibilitating pain. I usually try the new lower dosage one day and the old dosage for two days. This has worked until now anything below 2.5 just not enough to relieve the pain. I guess that means the PMR is still active within me.
I thought I'd be over this sooner than this. I retired early because I could not handle the fatigue or pain. This is a most difficult-to- explain malady and my family still doesn't understand the pain that is always there.
I didn't gain any weight with the prednisone. I just kept walking and riding my bike. I discovered that when I ate, the pain became worse. If I ate anything sugary, chocolate, red meat, or dairy, the pain increased. I eat a lot of chicken, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables.
I just wanted to share my experience and thank those who provide this forum. I have been reading it for two solid days and feel that I am not alone now. It is nice to know there are others who understand. I wish all of us well in getting through this!
Welcome, I'm new, too. Also new to PMR. Today my right leg doesn't want to work! Always something....