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Natural Remedies For Polymyalgia Rheumatica


Date: 01/08/05
 
Conventional treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is with steroid drugs, which themselves have many unpleasant side-effects and do nothing to cure the underlying problem. Luckily, some effective natural remedies are reported to provide welcome alternatives to drug treatment for sufferers of this nasty condition...

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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which literally means many aching muscles, is a little-known inflammatory disorder that causes fatigue, muscle pain and morning stiffness in almost half a million people in the UK. It is a disease that occurs almost exclusively in people over 55 years of age, with women being more likely to be affected than men.

The onset can be abrupt, or it can creep up slowly over a few weeks. If you have PMR you will most likely have muscle pains, sometimes quite sudden and severe, in your shoulders, neck and upper arms and also in your hips and upper legs. You may find that morning stiffness is a problem, to the extent that you may need help in getting out of bed.

You could also have other symptoms, such as lethargy, depression, weight loss and fever. The disease often goes away without treatment after a year or so, although few people have the patience to put up with the symptoms for that long!

The symptoms of PMR may at first appear similar to those of other inflammatory illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and lupus. In fact, PMR has only been recognised as a distinct disease since 1969. Your doctor may need to carry out several tests before a diagnosis of PMR can be made, although there is no single specific test for the disease.

Although the underlying cause of PMR is unknown, it has been suggested that it is an autoimmune disease, in which the body is attacked by its own immune system. It also appears to be linked to another inflammatory condition called giant cell arthritis that 10 to 15 per cent of PMR patients are also diagnosed with. Giant cell arthritis is a disorder that results in swelling of arteries in the head. Most often the temporal arteries, which are located on the temples on each side of the head.

Conventional treatment for PMR is with steroid drugs, which themselves have many unpleasant side-effects and do nothing to cure the underlying problem. Luckily, some effective natural remedies are reported to provide welcome alternatives to drug treatment for sufferers of this nasty condition.

Polymyalgia rheumatica: Don't risk steroid medication boost -  your body's own steroid hormones instead

The conventional treatment for PMR is the scattergun approach of steroid drugs the usual standby for any kind of acute inflammation. Your doctor will probably prescribe the powerful artificial steroid hormone prednisolone. This will certainly relieve the symptoms, often within a day or two, and may seem like a magic bullet. But long-term treatment with these drugs carries a number of serious risks,
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including weight gain, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and osteoporosis, so it makes sense to reduce the dose to the lowest needed to control the symptoms.

You may also be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, to control the pain. But the effectiveness of NSAIDs tends to reduce with time and they can cause digestive problems, stomach bleeding and nausea. They have also recently been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease (BMJ 2004;329: 1317-20).

You can help to reduce the amount of steroid medication you need by making sure that your bodys own steroid hormones, which are made by your adrenal glands, are being produced efficiently. The first step is to cut out things that put the most stress on your adrenals sugar, caffeine (found in coffee, tea and cola) and nicotine. The next step is to attempt to boost your own steroid hormone production.

Pantethine, which is manufactured in the body from vitamin B5, is essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and for the production of natural steroids, called glucocorticoids.

Boosting your own production of steroids can help bring the same benefits for relieving PMR as taking artificial steroid drugs, but without the harmful side effects. Pantethine also increases the levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids in the body, which also reduce inflammation (Int J Clin Pharm Res 1985;5(5): 309-18).

The recommended dose of pantethine is 600 mg a day. Other nutrients that provide your adrenal glands with the raw materials to produce natural steroid hormones are vitamin C (1-2 g a day), vitamin B6 (50-100 mg a day as part of a B-complex supplement) and vitamin A (12,500- 25,000 IU a day, but avoid in pregnancy).

Polymyalgia rheumatica: These natural anti-inflammatories can reduce your reliance on drug treatment

It is believed that natural anti-inflammatory compounds in herbal remedies and food supplements can also help you reduce your reliance on medication, and so reduce the risk of harmful side-effects. As mentioned above, essential fatty acids such as omega-3 found in oily fish, have a good record of reducing inflammation, decreasing pain and increasing the ease of movement (Atherosclerosis 1990;81: 209-16).

The omega-6 essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose oil capsules and borage oil capsules, can also reduce morning stiffness, and is frequently of help in PMR (Cl Immunol Immunopathol 1997;83(3); 237-44). Try ingesting 3,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 1,500 mg of omega-6 fatty acids daily.

Bromelain, an enzyme derived from the pineapple plant could hold promise for PMR sufferers. Although most research with this enzyme has involved people with rheumatoid arthritis, its ability to reduce inflammation could be just as valuable to those with PMR.

In a trial involving 25 patients with severe RA, an enteric-coated bromelain supplement substantially reduced joint swelling and inflammation. Whats more, most patients were able to taper off their steroid medication to small maintenance doses (Penn Med J 1964;67: 27-30). Take 600 mg of bromelain a day, on an empty stomach.

Methyl-sulphonyl-methane, or MSM, is a natural sulphur compound produced in the body that is often used to control the pain and inflammation of arthritis and is likely to be of benefit in PMR, too. In one six-week study, patients taking 2,250 mg of MSM a day reduced their joint pain by an amazing 82 per cent, compared with an 18 per cent improvement in those given a placebo (Int J Anti-Aging Med 1998;1(1): 50). The recommended dose is 1000 mg of MSM a day.

Supplements are not the only way you can help yourself to beat PMR. Also suggested to help PMR is regular gentle exercise, massage and electro-acupuncture. For more information on electro-acupuncture, please contact the Acupoint Herbalist Centre, 42 Goodge Street, London W1T 2QR, tel. 020 7436 9735.
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Comments

Jay Rogers Posted 31/05/2008

Very useful information.

S Boyd Posted 19/06/2008

Very informative. I'm taking steriods now and looking for other ways to help with this problem.

Jan Collins Posted 04/07/2008

I am\desperate to come off prednisilone for obvious reasons, weight gain being no.1. Has anyone tried taking pantethine and prednisilone together in an effort to reduce the latter?

C. Pearson Posted 08/07/2008

Very useful info. Does anyone find that they are reducing the dosage of steriods only to find that the symptoms are worse and they have to increase the doseage again. Doctors are not very clear about this I find. Like Jan Collins I want to stop prednisilone weight gain being the worst part of it!

Joan Collins Posted 26/07/2008

Currently taking prednisone for polymyalgia rheumatica.

Andi Williams Posted 18/08/2008

Trying to manage without steroids, five months in. Difficult but managing with supplements, etc.

Pam Lewis Posted 30/08/2008

My husband has recently been diagnosed with PMR and prescribed steroids about three months ago. Because of side effects he has been instructed to cut the dosage down each fortnight. He is finding it extremely difficult each time he reduces the tablet and finds his symptoms worsen. Would be thrilled if a herbal remedy could help. Could I have more information please and can you take the supplement with the steroid? Thanks

Loretta Tucker  Posted 03/09/2008

I got sick January 2008 and iI have to say it has been hard to never feel well, always uncomfortable and not able to drive for long periods. However I maintain that I have to keep active and am still going to work daily. I have a really bad neck - arms - bottom and it appears to be in my upper leg joints and my knee joints. I get pain down the front of my leg - my shin bone. I also have some slipped disks. Right now I have given up all caffeine, sugar, flour,dairy, alcohol and all processed food. I also am drinking 3 litres of water per day. trying to detoxify my system. My Doctor wanted me to take steriods but I have refused. Have anyone gotten over this mess. I am hoping I do not have it but I believe I do.

harold rader Posted 16/09/2008

I have had PMR for 5 yrs. for the first 2yrs I was on prednisone. that almost caused me to bleed to death 3 times. The best thing to do is get a book called "The Vitamin D Cure" by Dr. James Dowd. Following his advise will ease your suffering greatly.

Isobel Scorgie Posted 16/09/2008

I also appear to have PMR. I'm about 1 year into it. I have only just read the above website and am looking for some help with what supplements, vitamins, etc. I should be taking rather than steroids, which I have refused. I'm encouraged by what I have read above. Please help with some info. re the supplements.

Linda Werne Posted 23/09/2008

I have been taking prednisone for about three years and feel that is just masked the problem but does not heal. Very frustrated with PMR. I have gone to two specialists and each has given me more and more meds!!! No thanks.... I find it rather odd that neither one had mentioned what I should eat or even exercise. The last one I paid $170.00 for one office call.... I want to go only natural products. Help!!!!!!

s Posted 25/09/2008

I have only had this condition for about a month now but it is getting me down. My doctor suggested steriods but I have refused... Please tell me there is something else which is safer....

Anne Harwood Posted 30/09/2008

I was diagnosed with PMR in June was in Spain at the time where I live 6 months of year. I woke one morning feeling stiff and sore (I run 5 times a week)just thought I'd overdone it by the end of the week I was in agony couldn't even lift the hair dryer. Went to my doctor here who confirmed this horror I'd never heard of. He told me steroids where the only answer for me who never takes as much as a headache pill wasn't what I wanted to hear However I resisted a few more days until I could hardly move The 1st 60 m tab was like a miracle in 6 hours I was feeling like me.The downside is its been downhill since end of Aug. Having returned to England armed with letter and results from doc the consultant in England reduced my dose very quickly even though I told him I felt the symptoms coming back he said my ESR was normal.I'm back in Spain in agony Doc here says had a relapse due to being tapered too soon I'm landed with 8 kilo weight gain a camels hump tips of fingers that look like I've spent hours in bath moonface bruising and for a60 yr old that could run a 4 hour marathon I feel 90 I cant wait to get off PREDNISALONE WHY IS IT ALLOWED ITS A SENTENCE.I will do anything to find a natural way to get My body back

Leslie Carlson Posted 03/10/2008

I have had PMR roughly two years. The MD has cut the meds to one mg. I have just started Acupuncture (twice a week) and have found great relief. I will now add more Vitamin D to my diet. I am a 61 year old male.

anne Posted 08/10/2008

I have had PMR since July 2007.My Rheumatologist put me on steroids for six weeks (during this time I was pain free) he then decided to send me for tests for other disorders and i had to come off steroids. The tests for other illnesses have come back clear, but he didn't want me to go back on steroids so I have plodded on with this miserable condition with diclofenic, codeine and ibruprofen naproxen he kept changing pain relief. In August this year I heard about devils claw, I stopped the nsaids and started on devils claw ,magnesium ,zinc and vit B5 to boost my own steroids. Within 4 days the pain was easing, I feel better now after 2 months than idid with all nsaids and I dont feel so tired. I feel that the terrible unaccountable fatigue of PMR is going. I am so relieved I found devils claw, the symptoms of PMR are so debilitating and painful I feel so sorry for anyone who suffers this.I just wanted to talk about devils claw I hope it works for others.

John Posted 10/10/2008

As a very active 42 year old who cycles 400+ kms a week I was brought to my knees by PMR in 2007. It literally happened overnight and it took two months of visits to doctors, x-rays and MRIs before I finally saw a rheumatologist in Alicante who diagnosed it - the clincher was that I also had the symptoms for Giant Cell Arteritis. I do not fit the profile of a typical PMR sufferer and i can't find any info on people in their early 40s who have it. I was started on 80 mgs of prednisone and got it down to 3mgs within 7 months before it flared up again in August. I'm nw back on 30 mgs but will taper each two weeks back to 10 mgs. For what it's worth, since being on the steroids I have managed to keep riding 15-20 hrs per week and that keeps the weight gain to a minimum. I have bouts of fatigue that can last a week or so before I get back to "normal". The only real negative is that I still have a deep, dull pain in my left hip that won't go away no matter how high a dose of prednisone I am on. Scans and x-rays show no hip joint, bone or muscle damage - so I guess it is the PMR. I will try some of the natural remedies suggested to see if they help. Good luck to you all.

susan dempsey.  Posted 18/10/2008

I have had this miserable complaint for about 6 wks now, I am getting by on paracetamel and paracodol, I find this is enough for now, hoping it dosent get any worse. I also refuse steriods...I am an elderly lady and cant take a lot of risks, I am also trying Celadrex tablets, which I am told are very good for this illness. Wishing well for all PMR suffers/ Good luck...

Jean  Posted 25/10/2008

Had PMR since Sept 2004 still got the awful complaint been on steriods down to 1mg daily been told by GP not really doing much good at this strength so I have decided to stop taking them and see how I go =-no one seems to take this illness as serious if only they had it! I will be trying Celadrex. Good luck for all PMR suffers/

Jean Posted 25/10/2008

Had PMR since Sept 2004 very painful been on High Steroid dose now down to 1mg still in lot of pain doctor said 1mg not doing very much so I have decided to stop taking them for all the reasons quoted above was not prepared to go back on high dose at present see how I feel within the next weeks or so. Is there no one out there who is looking into this awful complaint so many people have this but trying to get help and answers for this is impossible. Off to Health Shop to see what I can try in place of the dreaded Steriods Good Luch everyone!

Janis Herb Posted 04/11/2008

interesting site.

Liz O'Brien Posted 06/11/2008

PMR crept up on me over a period of 6 months until 2 x 600mg twice daily of Ibrufen was of no use and I finally went to a chiropractor and after 4 expensive visits he said I should see my doctor as he was sure I had PMR as I was in agony with pain all over. He gave me a letter for doctor who put me on Presnidone Steroid tablets 40mg reducing down to 5mg and after 2 days I felt wonderful, however the PMR returned and I started the course all over again eventually down to 1mg. I then came off the 1mg after one year of steroids. I am still very stiff and achey at times but have decided to use Paracetamol for the flu like symptoms of achiness rather than go back to doctor. My facial skin is not so nice either and now flares up so easily. I intend to start cod liver oil to see if this can help. I also have very stiff sore hands in the morning. Best wishes to anyone suffering at this moment but I could not have gone on with the terrible pain without steroids and only have gained 3 or 4 pounds but it really increases the appetite. Liz

MJ Posted 07/12/2008

In 2003 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and PMR...I started on 60 mg prednisone, doses fluctuated over the years depending on ESR and CRP rates, and for the past year also treated for GCA...each time we try to wean me off prednisone, I get in serious trouble/hospitalised many times with severe complications....we've also tried chemo as an alternative treatment after second opinions from UNH Hospital in CT. I deal with temporal/eye/head/all-over pain, weight gain, and moonface, just to name a few complications/have no pain relief except for oxycontin and morphine, and am very distraught...I've tried natural remedies & have no relief.....prayers please/thanks

JN Posted 14/12/2008

Have recently been dianosed with PMR and put on 60mg of prednisone to deal with possible GCA as well. Am now down to 10mg with instructions to get down to 5mg however symptoms are returning. I don't want to go on a higher dose and have discovered MSM which I'm going to start tomorrow, along with Omega 3/6 capsules and Calcium/Mg/Vit D and B Vitamins although I find they don't really agree with me....strange. Good luck to everyone and hope that if anyone has success like the devils claw they will post it. I did research devils claw but on the bottle I was about to buy it said not to take it if you have any ulcers which I found I had in my colon after a colonoscopy recently, so think I'd better leave that alone, unfortunately :( Nothing's simple!

Leslie H Carlson Posted 16/12/2008

I have now gone off all steroids. I have continued Acupuncture on a once a week visit. I have also loaded up on Vitamin D & D3. I have no pain most of the time. I attribute what little pain I have to old age (61). I played golf on 28 November and felt absolutely no pain. I have found great relief in Acupuncture.

J.R Posted 27/12/2008

I was diagnosed in May 2008--by accident. I returned from a Med. cruise, stiff, achy , unable to get out of bed by myself and had a frozen shoulder- Tx was prednisone for the shoulder-within 6 hours all the other symptoms disappeared. In 3 days the symptoms returned and the diag. was made. Accupuncture did not help! Now I have Diabetes 2, and bruising. I want off the prednisone. I'm in USA

mbell Posted 18/01/2009

I was diagnosed with PMR in Oct. My symptoms included fever, night sweats, rashes on legs, ankles swelling, along with the extreme fatigue and muscle pain. I am on 15 mg of prednisone. It has helped tremendously, but I still feel like I am carrying weights on my shoulders and arms, muscle pains in legs, and am not sleeping. It is scary to think of reducing the prednisone or getting off of it. Scary to stay on it! I tried to reduce prednisone from 20 to 10 mg and all symptoms returned. Are you taking the devils claw, vitamins, omega 3 along with the prednisone? My Dr. is pretty much letting me decide when I should try to reduce prednisone. Has anyone tried Gemlarax or Myalatab as alternative treatments?

Andrea Albon Posted 24/01/2009

My mother now 75 has PMR and had giant cell arteritis. She has had this condition for 5 years and on prednisilone. She decided to cut her self down on her medication far to quickly and after 3 and a half years got a rebound. This is from cutting down far to quick. It is not worth it and one should be very careful. I completely understand the wanting to come off steroids but if you do it to fast PMR will be around so much longer. She had to start completely again!! Most often ,once your down in the 8-10mg prednisilone level it may be only half a mg lower at a time for 2-3 weeks at a time to drop. Make sure you doctor checks your bone density as prolonged steroid treatment causes osteoporosis. This my mother found the hard way fracturing her spine and having to stay in hospital then shortly after that her ribs. Sometimes you have to be insistant to your Dcotor about checking your bone density but beleive me: prevention is far better.

Bob T Posted 30/01/2009

I have PMR, started out at mg of prednisone and I am now down to 10 but symptoms are coming back. I am not going back up as now I have liver problems along with other bad side affects that the Doc says are from the medication. I am going to try and fix it naturally.

Babs1221 Posted 02/02/2009

My PMR Has been with me since 2003,I am currently on 4mg a day even though I have bruising on my arms and shins I can say my quality of life is more important.I also take Tramadol 50mg 2x a day these 2 pills together saved me. and has no effect on the stomach.Good Luck

Tony Posted 02/02/2009

A lovely piece of information for soemone who knows very little. Thank you.

Maryann Posted 03/02/2009

Now into my 2nd year with PMR and have reduced and increased the prednisone dose. When I decrease the pain comes back. No weight gain though. Want another alternative....HELP!!

Graciela Bollman Posted 03/02/2009

I have been diagnosed with PMR last November 208 and start to taking predinisone 10 m. per day , I want to get off and start natural remedies. I need to start cutting down this medicine according to my doctor to 1 mg, each 3 weeks. My questions is can I take a natural remedie with the prednisone at the same time? Can I cut the medicine sooner and in what way? What do I need to take naturally to try to fix the problem with the PMR. Since this problem started and with taking the medicine I have problems in my throat and breathing problems, light headaches and I think it could be the predinisone.

L T (FED UP) Posted 11/02/2009

I have been miserable since January 2008 - diagnosed in June 2008 with PMR. I am trying eveything. Is anybody listening? Do you know of anyone who has gotten over this. I like the note that it could go away as quick as it comes. I'm still waiting and I'm going as natural as I can. But I do take one pill that is used for arthritis that is arthrotec - suppose to be really hard on the stomach but I make sure I take it with lots of food. Keep posting. I am waiting for some great news from someone. Any kind of doctors out there that could shed some light on this. Thanks for listening. I know you guys care as we are all in this together.

Maryann Posted 11/02/2009

Into my 2nd year of PMR and down to 4 mg of medrol - a kinder form of prednison. I ordered gemlarax and was told I could take natural remedies along with the steroid. This is a horror!!!

Iris Posted 12/02/2009

I was diagnosed with PMR and took Prednisone for six months and it helped. I was told to eat protein and I have done that for 4 months and have had no pain and am off Prednisone. The drug increased my blood sugars and my cholesterol levels to dangerous numbers. I am so thankful to be off it and happy to eat fish and chicken and beans and peanut butter. It might not work for others but it doesn't hurt to try it. It's food we need.

Ronald Samphere Posted 17/02/2009

Appreciate all the good comments.

LT Posted 19/02/2009

LET'S BE POSITIVE, IT IS A MESS (I KNOW BECAUSE I AM ONE OF YOU, BUT WE WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MANAGE THIS WITHOUT CAUSING OUR BODIES ANY MORE PROBLEMS. PLEASE POST YOUR SUGGESTED REMIDIES OR AIDES TO ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE MYSERY. LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR TIPS. THANKS

Barbara Posted 09/03/2009

Hi,Has anyone tried The Natural Alternative Gemlarax,I would like to buy this product if anyone felt it was helping with the pain.Thank You,Barbara

Maggie Southgate  Posted 10/03/2009

In 2006 I was diagnosed with PMR started on 20mg Prednisone reducing by 5mg every 2 months untill 5mg then reducing by 1mg every 2 months the 1mg every other day. Now I am off the Prednisone since Jan.2009 all was well until a few days ago, as now I feel my joints starting to ache. I don,t want to go back to Prednisone would like to find an alternitive . Thanks for all your comments will try them out

Fay Reid Posted 12/03/2009

Worst case of PMR doctor had seen - started on Prednisolone 30mg. Felt better in 4 hours after suffering for 6-8 months. Gradually reduced dose over 5-6 months then slight relapse due to stress, but now free of symptoms. Have wondered if Hypothyroidism could have anything to do with PMR, with Carpal Tunnel and Shingles all at the same time as PMR. Doctor says Thyroid normal, but I proved Hypothyroidism with old fashioned "Dr Barne's Basal Temperature Test", and suffering pain in groin like a pulled muscle. Kelp tablets cured pain in groin and mini dizzy spells (experienced over 3 years)and Thyroid hormone levels improved and no longer at the lower end of normal range. Carpal Tunnel surgery not completely successful, but B and C vitamins reducing slight tingling in fingers which gets worse after gardening or pruning. Check Thyroid function- could possibly be a connection to PMR. Good Luck.

lillian Weber Posted 14/03/2009

My PMR slammed into me like an explosion. Woke up one morning two weeks ago with upper arm pain and now I am in agony. My wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles all hurt. I first blamed it on some aggressive spring cleaning. I was fortunate in that my first appointment with my rheumatologists, I was diagnosed with PMR. I started with 10mg prednisone twice daily today. I had never heard of it till today and didn't realize what a horror it was till I started reading all the comments. Does anyone know if early diagnoses gives you a better chance of recovery?

Elisabeth Posted 15/03/2009

Wow! I was diagnosed about a month ago and was put on heavy dose of prednisone which made me violently ill. Was told by doctors there is nothing else I can take. After researching on internet for alternative medication I see that there are many sufferers of this disease. I will try some of the above. Good luck and health to you all.

fran leavens Posted 16/03/2009

My wife was diagnosed with both fibromyalgia and PMR,and now osteoarthritis as well. I believe the osteo is from the prolonged use of prednisone. Through leg message, and the use of the brookstone pain wand,(an infra-red light emitter) we have controlled the muscle pain,however the joint pain was still a problem. Helen needed anti iflammatories to reduce inflammation. This caused acid reflux leading to hiatal hernia. She can no longer take the nsaids. We stopped the nsaids and a product called zyflamend(an herbal anti-inflammatory), until she felt better as far as the acid reflux went. This caused the inflammation to return in her knees. You could feel the heat in her knee joints. We decided to try keeping at her latest low dose of prednisone(7mgs per day). Then we added back the zyflamend at 1/3 the recommended dose,this and the pain wand took away the inflammation. I massage and use the pain wand on her legs each night. She takes 7 mgs. prednisone each day. It used to be 40 mgs. She is also taking the zyflamend(take it just before a meal it does comeback on you otherwise) We get our zyflamend from www.swansonvitamins.com) but you can buy it at any herbal supply. The manufacturer is new chapter.. Fran

ann Posted 21/03/2009

Only told yesterday I may have PMR. Just read all your comments and I am slightly worried...

kate duncan Posted 27/03/2009

My PMR is a year old now (happy birthday!) and I can find nobody in my town who has ever heard of it - even some medically-connected people. So it was very helpful to read the comments of other sufferers. Since I've been active all my life it is an enormous setback to have this in my seventies.

louise Posted 31/03/2009

I am 41 years old and have been told I have PMR. I was given a dose of steriods 30mg per day but the head and eye pain was too bad so stopped taking them. The doctor reduced the dose to 15mg per day this morning so fingers crossed. Is the eye and head pain normal?

Dennis Posted 09/04/2009

I am 60years old and have just been diagnosed with PMR. I lead a very active life and contracted it almost overnight after a bout of campylobacter food poisoning, (holiday in Phuket!) The main symptoms were pain in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, lower back, head and back of eyes. It felt as though I had just completed a heavy work out and the body was loaded with lactic acid and it ached. Sleep was difficult as I couldn't lie on either side or my stomach. When finally diagnosed and put on 30mg of Prednisone, the change in 24 hrs was incredible. After 2 weeks I have reduced the dose to 10mg a day, taking 5 morning & night and I am back to my old self but realise the Prednisone is only masking the problem. Reading other comments, it appears that most sufferers have had active lives and PMR occurs very quickly. It seems that we may have a very healthy auto-immune system that is confused and raging and which after combating an infection continues to attack the body. The Prednisone disarms our system which relieves the symptoms, but getting our bodies back into balance is what we must aim at. My thoughts on that is, plenty of exercise, a lot of water, a balanced diet, good sleep and a good essential mineral intake. PMR is debilitating if not controlled but there is a good chance of recovery unlike other similar diseases which it is often confused with.

Colin Posted 09/04/2009

I have had many of the symptoms of PMR for about two or three years now, which I have put it down to getting older and possibly the menopause, and have just tried to work through them. Have mentioned the symptoms to several doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths and specialists, had x-rays and MRI scans, with no positive results. Am active, work full time and just knew there was something wrong. Now at last I have been referred to a Rheumatologist with blood tests etc. I am feeling very alarmed by everything I have read, especially about the steroid treatment. I do take many of the advised vitamins and wonder if they have helped to supress the symptoms to a degree. My pain is mainly upper arms, shoulder, neck and hips...I just couldn't understand what was going on. I so appreciate all the advice that people give on this site. Personally I would like to try and stick to the healthy life style approach if at all possible...but it strikes me that many feel that steroids are the only way forward...is this the case?

wally Posted 23/04/2009

70 years old, very healthy until I contacted PMR never even heard of it. Would like to get off of prednisone and into something more natural.

Anne Harwood Posted 25/04/2009

I last posted my comments on 30\9\2008. On the 5thJan this year I was found to have primary liver cancer. I underwent a 10 hr operation to save my life. I had no symtons it was found by accident. I don't drink alchohol, don't smoke, eat healthy and have run 19 marathons since I was 50. The complication to my already serious condition was the fact I was on Prendesalone. My liver had become very fatty (a side effect I found out later of prendesalone) I even believe that in some way this could have caused my cancerous tumour as it altered my metabolism. Nobody in my family and past generations have had cancer. My op was 11wks ago and the doctors are amazed at my recovery . I have got down to 5 mg now although my symtons came back I am determined to try a more natural approach,do not take steroids lightly they can be a killer...

pigen Posted 28/04/2009

Have had a lot of problems since mid January. Started over my left shoulder blade, after a couple of weeks my left buttock was affected making it agony getting in and out of bed and difficult sleeping. The pain in my left shoulder and backside are now almost gone, but it is now my right shoulder that hurts. I have seen the GP and had several blood test which have been inconclusive. This is a strange condition, even when I could hardly get out of bed, by the afternoon I was able to go for long walks and help my husband painting! Some days I feel really unwell and have a lot of pain across my upper back, the next day, like today, I feel almost back to normal. I think I may have PMR for sometime. About 1 year ago I had terrible pain in the back of my thighs esp. at night. It lasted a couple of weeks. I do not often see my GP, preferring to self-medicate. I want to avoid steroids if at all possible as I have a strong family history of osteoporosis. At the moment I am getting by with paracetamol, ibuprufen and devil's claw. I have ordered some Pantethine (expensive and difficult to get hold of), I will try anything to stay off steroids. It is very difficult to know what helps with a condition that seems to change from day to day.

debbie Posted 04/05/2009

I am 55 yrs old, & I was diagnosed with pmr over a year & 1/2 ago & my rheumatologist started me on predisone - 20 mg for two weeks, then to 15 mg, & then decreasing by one mg each month. I got down to 3mg & the pmr symptoms returned. I had to start all over again. I am now down to 7mg & I am reducing the dosage more slowly (every month & 1/2). Now that I am in the bottom zone of the predisone, I am beginning to add some of the natural herbs & vitamins to help build up my natural immune system & some to help reduce inflammation. I will post the results as I go along. Keep searching for natural alternatives.

Aftab Ahmed Posted 08/05/2009

I got diagnosed a few days after my 55th birthday. Now I am 58 and am on Prednislone almost non stop.I try to keep it between 5 to 7.5 mg daily because as soon as I go below 5 mg my aches return.

elaine Posted 09/05/2009

Have had symptoms for 3 months - diagnosed to the extent that is possible with PMR a couple of weeks ago. doctor immediately put me on high steroid dose- symptoms entirely disappeared in a few hours but were replaced by very unpleasant new symptoms including inability to hold down food so I only took the one dose. Read about steroids and decided they are not for me - the mess with your body - my doctor never told me that there were risks, or that i would have to stay on them for ages. Frankly i think that many in medical profession see them as a convenient quick fix - when I went back and told him the problem he offered no advice - nothing. So, I think my advice is to take personal control and not rely indiscriminately on the medical profession. I am trying natural remedies - and used ordinary painkillers which sometimes take the edge of the pain and I am insisting on having an Xray and having my adrenal gland function checked so that I can be sure there is not a very serious underlying problem of which PMR is a symptom. One step at a time - with careful consideration of the pros and cons - I think even though I am in acute pain a lot of the time the fact that I am informed and make my own decisions makes a big difference

Goretti Posted 10/05/2009

I am 56. I was diagnosed with PMR in November 2008. I started with 15mg prenisolone and am now tapering down from 5mg to 0mg over the next four weeks. At this stage, I am very keen to get natural remedies for PMR and find encouragement from these letters.Thanks.

Wayne Posted 17/05/2009

I have been on Prednisone for 3 years for PMR, I have now reduced this to 1mg per day, a friend told me to take 10mgs of Flax Seed Oil 3 times a day ( not the tablet) I think this has helped enormously I am a 61 year old male, I have been doing this for 4 weeks now, so I am interested in the future outcome

Rita Posted 20/05/2009

I am looking for natural medicine for Athritis and severe Osteoporosis

Lynn Posted 01/06/2009

I am glad I found this sight. Have PMR and have had it for 5 1/2 years. I started on 60 mg Prednisone and down to 10mg. 6 months ago I weaned myself off tottally , but lasted only a couple of days. 10mg seem to be it for me but am still in pain. I have a friend who has done research and there is an alternative being looked at. Naltrexone is used in small doses 3 to4.5mg.

Pigen Posted 23/06/2009

I last posted on April 28. Since then my ESR has returned to normal. I have still got some pain over my upper back and right upper arm but much improved. When I first saw my GP I told him I did not think I needed steroids at that stage. I have been taking Pantethine 600mgs daily, Devils Claw and Omega 3. I took Ipubrufen & paracetamol orally as necessary. When I started to get stomach pains I changed to Voltarol gel. I feel I am more or less back to normal now and I am so grateful I did'nt start on steroids. I realize I probably have or had a mild form of PMR, but thought my experience may be useful for other sufferers, who want to try and avoid going down he steroid road!

Julie Posted 25/06/2009

Why does no one seem to be doing any research into PMR? It isn't as rare as we are led to believe. I live in a small village in Kent, UK. In the past 5 years 5 of us have had it, 2 others in a neighbouring village. Is there anyone collecting data on sufferers? We're led to believe it's mostly older people but I was 46 when I first experienced symtoms and I've heard of a 38 yr. old with it. Shouldn't someone be looking for possible links, genetic, environmental etc. I went the chemical route for 2 yrs; steroids & immunosuppressants but ended with anaphalactic shock and now allergic to most chemically based drugs. Gained 3 stone, lost ability to focus eyes, enlarged liver, leg pain from statins, unable to eat without acid reflux despite two drugs to stop it. Wouldn't advise that route! I do get relief from Reiki. Can't drop steroids completely or get GCA. It seems we're just left to adjust our own medication and find alternatives. Specialist tells me it could last 10yrs - 7 down 3 to go but where's my quality of life and I'm wasting my only child's childhood.

Anne Posted 01/07/2009

I last posted 08/10/08. After suffering PMR for 2 years I think it is finally going! Blood tests stable. I have been taking Devils Claw, Magnesium and Vit B5 since last year and these have taken away the pain and made life bearable. I would recommend Devils Claw to anyone. When I first had PMR I could not get out of bed, it was so painful. I thought only steroids could help. I would never have believed a herbel remedy would be good enough, but there you go, I cant speak highly enough of Devils Claw, definitely worth a try.

Debs Posted 02/07/2009

Has anyone tried the natural supplement Celadrin -capsules or topical cream? It has quite fast-acting & wide-ranging anti-inflammatory action and quite a lot of research on it including muscular pain. Complimentary therapies can help. Magnesium and B5 previously mentioned definitely worth looking at. Re Statins, I have spoken to several people who get terrible muscular aches and pains from these. I know someone who was literally crippled in 3 weeks by statins & fully recovered now he's stopped them.

lt Posted 18/07/2009

Still suffering with PMR since Jan 2008. My GP and specialists scared me and said that I may be suffering from GCA as well and could go blind. Consequently started on predinsone. What a drug. Feeling so much better. Down to 7.5 but am scared to death of the complications of this drug that one loves to hate. I am definitly going to try devils claw because I still have pain even though sometimes I feel great. Yet the pain in the back of my head and sometimes my eyes , ears neck, shins and buttocks. I know that I still have the awful PMR. Want to get better and get off the steriod. Keep posting.

Toni Posted 29/07/2009

I was diagnosed with PMR a year ago after a fairly slow progression of symptoms to a point of no longer tolerable. I had been on 1200 mg of Advil daily. After two months I was referred to a Rheumatologist. I have taken Prednisone for a year and recently tapered down to 1mg/day. Symptoms returned, doctor increased dosage, we're starting over! I HATE the medication and what it has done to my body (other than relieving the pain). I am continually seeking some type of "non-chemical", less harmful remedy. I am glad to know I am not alone in this battle and empathize with all who are afflicted. I have been told by doctors that PMR goes away in 2 years, doesn't sound like it here.... Thanks to all for posting, the information has been helpful!

Marg Posted 04/08/2009

I was diagnosed with PMR in 2005 and was put straight onto prednisone 50mg reducing each month. I am now on 4mg and have tried several times to come down further but the pain becomes too much. I still suffer with pain in upper arms and shoulders at night and morning but can function most of the day which is very important to me. Did have a lot of pain in upper legs but now just weakness. I have always been a very active person playing sport and gardening etc but now can't run so sport is out for the present time. My GP had also had PMR before his colleague diagnosed me (my GP had been away at the time PMR was confirmed.) I have now read all of the above comments and live in hope that someone is looking into a proper cure for this horrible disease. I will definitely look into some of the alternatives to prednisone. Had bone scan and bone density is less than average person of 51 years. Good luck to all of you.

Clara Ollerenshaw Posted 07/08/2009

I have had PMR for the past seven years and have been on prednisone all that time. I am 56. I have recently come off 400mg (2x200mg slow release) of Tramadol - not a pleasant experience in that withdrawal was similar to someone coming off heroin. My doctor had been trying to give me some medication to control the pain but I'm not covinced that this was worth it. I am Still on 5mg of prednisone but will try to reduce that in nthe next couple of months. I have tried natural remedies in the past but not much success.

Now I am basically attempting to put up with all the pain and stiffness with an occassional ibuprofen or voltaren so I can get a decent nights sleep. My quality of life has decreased since going off the painkillers but my sanity is better in that my brain does not feel so fogged and I can say what I think the first time rather than having three goes at it. Like many of you I am concerned about the state of my body with long term use of steroids and anti-inflammatories and hope that I am going the right way in trying to tough it out. This condition is only supposed to last from2 to 5 years or less and I have had it long enough!

lt Posted 13/08/2009

STILL SUFFERING Posted above - started the wonderful hateful, horrible, terrible, drug prednisone at 10 mgs but I have reduced it to 7.5 and this week down to 5. Still got the symptons and still suffer but it sure is tolerable now. However, I am so scared of the 5 mgs of predisone that I am ingesting. I already have low bone density... Terrible mess. Please someone post something positive. Some really workable system to help us get through. I can handle some pain in my head but I do not want to go blind from the GCA. HELP ME PLEASE.

subee Posted 15/08/2009

Wow, my people! Had the sudden onset 3 months ago, thought I had overdone the exercises, but it got quickly worse....Everyone knows all this part. Long story short, started on Prednisone 30 mgs a day. Now, I too am trying to taper off, but have the same return of symptoms, though after the initial attack, I think I may be able to live with some of it some of the time. I didn't find this web site to start with so went a different route and got a Pot recommendation, as it is legal for medical purposes in CA. It is a great anti-inflamatory and sometimes relieves pain for a day or more. Downside is the lethargy, but had that with the higher prednisone anyway. Getting off the Prednisone is about as dangerouse as it gets. Prednisone is converted into prednisolone (?) in your liver, not doing that organ any good, then the Adrenal Gland which produces your natural sterioids--the glucocortiscoroids (?) shuts down in the face of competition from the prednisone. You have to be very careful in reducing the medication so that the adrenal gland comes back into full production. as I understand it, the Adrenal gland can be damaged by being overwhelmed by demand when you stop taking the chemical steroid prednisone. Because of ulcers already I may not be able to use catsclaw but will try the other vitamins and supplements. Initially I had stiff neck and very sore throat and took a supplement of golden seal and echinacia. You never realized how well these things work until you get the negative side. PMR is an autoimmune disease, the prdnisone works in part because it knocks out the immune system. When I took the echinacia, I think it boosted my immune system back into gear and the symptoms came on like gangbusters again even though at that time I was taking maybe 20 mgs of prednisone a day. Thank you all for the encouragement!

mbell Posted 15/08/2009

I have had PMR since Oct. 08.. Posted first in Jan. 09 Since have reduced my prednisone from 20 mg of Prenisone to 2.5 m. to 0. Was difficult each time Tried Gemlarax and think it really helped me get off of prednisone. Off of prednisone for 3 weeks.. I take only 1 tablet each day. I am still off of prednisone altogether! Gemlarax.com..It is working for me!

PTP Posted 17/08/2009

Mine came on very suddenly, I was given Predisone which relieved the symptoms but I could see my weight increasing, plus I saw the long term effects this medication had on my Dad and I didn't want to go down that road. I returned to doctor asking for an alternative and she suggested a good naturopath. I have never looked back. I am on strong doses of Fish oil, strong magnesium and with some B6, and feeling great now. It took a good six months for it all to kick in, but during that time it was easing to how it is today. Not sure why all doctors don't suggest these alternatives.

N.G Posted 19/08/2009

To: PTP (from 17/08/09) It's possible to receive the dosage of the alternatives ? (fish oil, magnesium, B6) Thank you

joe Posted 22/08/2009

had pmr 2 months now, never took drugs. i'm taking gemlarax seems to help. Pain almost gone it's worth a try

lt Posted 28/08/2009

How much is strong doses of fish oil? How much is strong magnesium and how much vitamin B6? Thanking you for your answers. lt

mbell Posted 09/09/2009

Joe,

Gemlarax I know has helped me. Took it for 2 months and have re-ordered... I really believe Prednisone was the answer for me to have instant relief. Has been really hard to get off it but was easier with Gemlarax.. 6 weeks off prednisone.

Can't believe how sick I was this time last year. It is so working for me!

CKA Posted 12/09/2009

My mother has had PMR for about 2 years now. She'll be 80 next month. I hate seeing her suffer with this stuff! I've been reading this site hoping to find some answers for her. I'm hoping to get her to try the vit D, magnesium and B6 and maybe the fish oil. Sure wish we could hear back from PTP who posted recently. For those of you with leg pains and sleeping problems, we discovered that DE (diatomaceous earth- FOOD GRADE ONLY) has eliminated awful leg pains she would get at night. A rounded tablespoon of DE early evening mixed with orange juice is how she takes hers, it could be taken 2-3 times a day but read the following websites. Plus she takes 6 mg of melanotin about 30 minutes before retiring to bed, which has helped her sleep much better. Hope this helps someone. When she forgets to take the DE, the pain always comes back. Check out shadowridgedonkeys.com and earthworkshealth.com for more info. on the DE - you'll most likely have to special order the FOOD GRADE because it's not easily available at your local stores.

Kathleen Posted 21/09/2009

Just want to know if anyone else has a statin drug connection with their PMR diagnosis.

Randolph Posted 22/09/2009

I was on Simvastatin to control cholesterol after having coronary by-pass. I read many bad reports about this drug & told my consultant I would not take it anymore. He disagreed with my findings but I still refused, unfortunately I think the damage had already been done. I am 74 years old and really want to get off Prednisalone before it gives me more problems than it cures. I am down to 10mg daily but this is not really enough to relieve all the symptoms. This is proving to be difficult as since my wife died of cancer 18 months ago, trying to cope alone with cooking, cleaning, general house maintenance and managing is very difficult with all the pain & stiffness. Very useful site

pigen Posted 30/09/2009

I last posted June 09. I have been virtually painfree for the past month and have only resorted to painkiller once or twice. I do not know if this is the end of it or if the improvement is due to all the various supplements I swallow or if it has got anything to do with the quiet stable weather we have had this past month or if I would have got better anyway! I am just glad I feel normal again and that I decided steroids would be the very last resort.

A.Pickersgill Posted 07/10/2009

My mothers PMR started after a flu injection with pain spreading down the arm from injection point . Even her doctors seem to accept this as the most likely cause. It might explain why sufferers are often older and more likely to have had a flu jab. Has anyone else noticed a viral provocation?

Monica Posted 19/10/2009

Looking for natural remedies for PMR. Looks like rheumaton and gemlarax is scam. People making money out of sick people. Any comment appreciated.

Debra Posted 22/10/2009

Three years ago I took simastatin for 2 months,but discontinued it bacause I developed muscle pains and rosacea.My doctor recently persuaded me to try Crestor 10 mg because I have FH. After 11 days I awoke in the night with tingling hands. Three days later,after my regular yoga class,I was wracked with pain in my shoulders, arms, neck and hips.I came off the Crestor but there was no change. Two weeks ago my doctor diagnosed PMR and put me on 3x5mg daily prednisolone,which has eased most of the pain,but not helped with the parasthesia in my hands.The doctor is reluctant to blame the statin for this damage,and says it is coincidence. However I feel that I probably had an underlying auto-immune problem that was dramatically accelerated by a very powerful statin and would advise caution to anyone with PMR considering statin therapy.Now I have sky high cholesterol,PMR and steroids to contend with,thanks doc !

Eric Posted 03/11/2009

I contracted PMR on May 23 2008 - I woke up with it. I was not diagnosed until August 11/09. My GP started me on Prednesone @ 50mg in June '08 tapering off to 20mg. The specialist now has me down to 10mg every other day and Meloxicam 7.5mg twice a day on the other days. I get by quite nicely on that. I would like to try dropping the caffine and sugar to see what happens. I've read in places that it may go away in 3 years or less - I didn't like seeing the posting of someone with it for 5 years! Yikes!

Joanne Posted 08/11/2009

Hi, after reading everyones comments on PMR. I feel so sad about this as in some ways it is comforting to know that there are other people out there but at the same time I feel the same as all of you. I am taking 15mg a day that has been given by my GP (seeing specialist in 2 weeks time). What remedies are helping me at the moment along with this steroid is oil of evening primose, Niacin and Adrenal support (Metabolics). Changing my diet has helped too and not mixing protein with carbs. Trying different food combinations to stop my bowels from being irritated Instinctively, I don't want to take the steroids and will be weaning myself off them. This illness is really freaking me out, as I too used to do a lot of running and off road biking. I just feel everything has come to a complete stand still and wonder why this has happened, the pain/stiffness has destroyed my confidence and made me feel very depressed. I wish all of you who are suffering all the luck in the world to get over this as I am desperately trying to. Take care.

Mik Posted 21/11/2009

Nice site! As an active 65 year old retiree I was surprised (to say the least) to feel so old overnight two Augusts ago: stiff, sore, aching from shoulders to hips. Worse yet, no diagnosis was offered until March this year. I had never heard of PMR, and yet 20 mg of prednisone per day had me fit within days. Or so I thought. Two months later I was also diagnosed with Temporal Arteritis (TA) which is more dangerous as one can go blind. So up went the steroid doses to 60 mg daily. I am tapering off these levels now (under strict medical management) but the PMR symptoms have come back with a vengeance. On top of that I suffer from all the usual steroid complications. Dreadful! Can anyone tell me if and how Gemlarax works?

Sara Posted 24/11/2009

I'm an active 64 year old and I've had PMR since 2006 and got symptoms shortly after receiving a tetanus shot and month-long high-dose niacin therapy for cholesterol. The niacin also threw my thyroid way out of whack which could have something to do with it. Took prednisone (which made me feel great) for 8 months but had a lumbar fracture a year ago so had to quit. Still have the pain but take Advil and work through it. I have read that PMR could be a side effect of statin drugs and also immunizations. Maybe some of you got PMR after such an event. Hope you all get better soon. This is really a nasty thing to endure.

Finnbar Allen Posted 24/11/2009

@Sara et al Indeed, statins DO cause symptoms like PMR. Though the drug companies report a very low incidence it is actually over 40 per cent, based on their own pre-testing data. Co-enzyme Q-10 helps. Take 100 - 300 mg/day to see if it helps your symptoms. In fact it may help even if you are not on a statin - it certainly won't harm you.

dave johnson Posted 29/11/2009

I was just diagnosed, and there is no way I'm taking steroids for any longer than absolutely necessary! Is there a blog where I can converse with others?? Dave

Becky Posted 09/12/2009

Hi everyone. Just read all of the comments and wanted to recommend Homeopathy as a natural alternative. If you aren't familiar with the field, it is basically a holistic (whole-body) approach to treating illness with medicine derived from natural substances. The remedy will be different for each person because it is a very individualized system. And it is amazing! The National Center for Homeopathy (online site) has good info. The first visits can be pricey but the effects are long lasting and definitely worth avoiding the effects of steroids. I've seen it work wonders. Good luck!

pigen Posted 10/12/2009

I last posted 30/09/09 and I have been more or less painfree since. There seem to a lot of interest in vit. D, or rather the effect of vit D defiency. Have a look on dr Briffa's blog. Could high doses of vit D reduce muscular pain? I am certainly going to boost my vit. D intake esp. during the winter months.

Dad aged 77 Posted 05/02/2010

Diagnosed yesterday with PMR - had a shot and have been given 15mgs of Prednisone a day. Absolutely horrified to read the problems on this page. Has anyone else started on Prednisone and then immediately decided to tell the Docs that they would quit Prednisone and try alternative medicines? It sounds as though this is the route to take IF POSSIBLE. My sympathies to all fellow sufferers and a speedy return to good health again.

HJC Posted 07/02/2010

Hi, I'm 40 years young and I too have developed the same symptoms that have been commonly described above and have been working with this dis-ease for nearly 4 months now. I am a reiki master and an energy medicine practitioner, I am throwing everything in my toolbox at this - I do not subscribe to chemical pain suppression as a treatment as the dis-ease is still present underneath. Whilst inconclusive - I have found that my symptoms are as a result of my body telling me (stopping me) from doing something that I should not be doing! For a natural alternative and some very effective relief - Check out Donna Eden's Energy Medicine website and keep taking the vitamin supplements / Drinking plenty of water! So far I'm keeping it at bay with flare ups now being infrequent. I'm listening to my body and reacting accordingly in terms of the work / rest / therapy regime - Whilst I cannot give any direct treatment strategies here - I can recommend continuing your search for "alternative" solutions which are out here - Long term steroidial suppression is realy not the answer for me - Let's accept it - We've got medical science baffled! I wish you all well on your journey....

PatL Posted 02/03/2010

Diagnosed with PMR in Aug of 2009-it came on suddenly with excruciating pain down my arms and tops of my thighs. Started on 15 mg of prednisone...now down to 2.5 mg and then off completely in another 3 weeks....Some of my stiffness and achiness has returned but I want off the prednisone...take some Ibuprofen before bed and that seems to help...but don't want to do that every nite...don't like taking meds....trying to drink more H2O and eliminate sugar and caffeine....keeping active during the day helps and am walking more now... Will look into the Devils Claw and other items mentioned on this site. Don't know anyone around me that suffers from this...none of my friends or family at this point. Always have been healthy and my blood work is perfect except for a slightly elevated Sed rate....take Calcium and Vitamin D...try to get some sun every day...(I live in Arizona...so thats not too difficult)... gets very frustrating sometimes but after reading this sites comments ...I think I must have a mild case...as I hurt in the Am when I get up...or sit too long...but don't have any problems doing stuff during the day (other than some minor aches).....hopefully this will end soon..although I am not counting on it...seems like it lasts longer than a year or so from reading the comments. Keep strong and I am not going to let this get me....I am 63, otherwise in great health and have a lot to look forward to.....

Margaret Posted 09/03/2010

I developed PMR in June 1008, a week after food poisoning at a local restaurant. Suffered with severe pain for almost three months before correct diagnosis. Treated with Paracetamol and Arthrotec, which would wear off by morning. By then I was paralyzed with pain and couldn't get out of bed until next dose of pain relief took effect. Started on 15mg Prednisolone which took a week to take effect before relief from the pain. Tapered to 2mg a day, then got Swine Flu, which triggered a relapse of PMR. Back onto 10mg tapered weekly to 4mg. then got the UK winter cold and cough in Jan 1010. Relapse, and back to 10mg, tapering 1mg a week. But now so unwell the Doctor has sent me for blood tests - cortisol, thyroid, ferritin, glucose, full count etc. Results later this week. I take calcium with Vit D, Vit A, Vit B complex, eat good healthy food, but would like to find alternatives to the Prednisolone, and am considering consulting a Naturopath.

GRACE Posted 13/03/2010

PMR hit me hard on july 2009, I got our of bed in the morning and could not walk well with hard pain in thigh, butt, also left shoulder, neck, also felt like i had the flu all over body aches, upset stomache, fever for bout 3 weeks, I finally went to my doctor who ran tests and confirmed the polymyalgia.

I have not taken steriods, scared to them, so just take insaids...800mg if needed on a bad days.. I just went to a natura path yesterday who told me that I must detoxify my system in order for the PMR to leave. I have just started the detox today. I don't know if they will work but he insist that it will do the job. I usually dont believe in these kinds of fix's but I am so tired of the pain....here they are....4 things to take...antitoxidants, resveratrol...vitamin c...coQ10...beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan........ double the dose for one week then follow amounts on the bottle. I hope and pray that this could be a help for all of us who are suffering this pain. Good luck to all of you.



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