Shar
Hi Ida, I guess we are both stuck at about 7 mg of Prednisone for the time being. I am on 7.5 mg, after relapsing on a trial of 5 mg for 3 weeks. I feel pretty well on this dose, but I have days where I am extra tired, for no obvious reason, and I am forced to lie down and rest for an hour or two. I am beginning to think that this is how it's going to be for quite a while, and I am glad I no longer have the extra responsibility of a job, which I had to quit in March, because of my Polymyalgia. It sounds as though you have had several bouts of PMR. I have read that it can come back, but I have given up worrying about that, since there seems to be nothing we can do to prevent it. I am glad that there is some help for the symptoms, but I am not so happy that it has to be Prednisone. I am concerned about the long term side effects of this drug, and I hope that I won't encounter any with the low dose that I am on. Have you had any problems with the Prednisone at the lower doses, besides some weight gain? I noticed that when I was on the 5 mg, I lost weight without even trying, but I had to go back up on the dose, and so I gained a couple pounds back. I exercise everyday, and I watch what I eat, but it isn't easy to lose weight, either. Ida, I am 57 years old, in case I hadn't mentioned it, and that is considered on the young side, but PMR occurs in people over the age of 50, and more frequently, in those who are about 70, and all my tests results indicated that PMR is what I have. I had an elevated sed rate and CRP. I am hoping to try to reduce the Prednisone more slowly next time, like you have been doing. I'll talk to my doctor about it. Well, I hope you feel better soon, Ida. Take care of yourself, and post soon. Shar