Paula
Hi Tom Read your post.I think all or most of us have been told by Dr. or Rheumies that prednisone has some bad side effects. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is not something that can be relieved by Motin,tylenol or aspirin. There is no "cure", it is usually a self limiting disease. The immune system is out of control and causes the body to turn on itself. The disease attacks the synovial sacs that surrounds the joints and often the synovial fliud shows signs of inflammation. An over active immune system can be controlled by prednisone and so far, that is the only thing that works. There has been some work with Methoxatrate but cancer can be a side effect of that and it is not always helpful. Persons on prednisone need to supplement their diets with calcium [1500mg per day,including that which you eat or drink as a minimum]. Vit D is necessary to utilize calcium so 400 to 800 units a day for most persons, those in some climates might need less than 800 units if they get some from the sun [only see it now and then where I live from Nov to May] We also need magnesium , potassium etc, most of which could be found in a good Vitamin Mineral supplement which is really a necessity. I also take bilberry as that is widely used in Europe as an aid to eye health. I had to start on an very large dose but within 2 months was down to 20. I am at 2 1/2 Milligrams a day now. I have had this for almost 5 years. I have my eyes checked yearly, so far no sign of cataracts even though my Mom had them in her early 50's and my Dad in his 70's. I have been checked for Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. free of both. I have a bone scan every 2 years..So far, I have very mild bone loss for my age in my forearms only, no osteoporsis. I am going to be 72 this year. Everyone who takes pred, particularly in small a dose does not get all of the side effects. The pain with PMR is not to be believed but if you are posting here you must have experienced it. What helped you? We always need more thoughts on what will be of help. In the meantime, I am working to get off pred, although a dose as small as the one I am on has practically no chance of harming the body..I still want OFF! ...lol.