Hi , I have had pmr for just over 3 years. Down to 3/ 2.5mg pred for the last 4/5 months. Last month or so have noticed bad cramp in major joints, hips, shoulders, back and tum area, particularly when doing yoga and Pilates. Saw my gp yesterday about other issues but mentioned the cramps and fatigue. He thinks it could be a pmr flare and wants to increase to 10mg for a week then back down to 3 the following week. He has arranged blood tests but my bloods have not shown inflammation markers before so doubt it will now. Does it sound like a PMR flare?
Thanks
Hey there. Sorry to hear. I had awful leg cramps before I was even diagnosed with PMR. Now on steroids, and no more problem! I am concerned about going to 10 then down to 3. You mentioned GP, I would hope that you are seeing a rheumatologist? What does he/she say?
No I have never seen a rheumatologist, always had two good GPs who let me do as required unless I need their input. He meant to reduce day by day on the second week back to 3.
It could be - but have you tried magnesium supplements? Low magnesium in the muscles can cause such cramps.
Yes I take magnesium and have been for months.
Going to 10 for a week and straight back down isn't in itself a problem. I once had to go to 20 ( due to allergic reaction ) and then straight back down and a family member has just this last month been prescribed 20 for a fortnight ( not for PMR. )
I don't pretend to understand the science, just mentioning for, I hope, reassurance.
It's perfectly OK - your body doesn't have enough time to readjust to not making cortisol so it is just the same as taking pred for a week and stopping when you aren't on long term pred but with a slightly higher baseline.