Donna
I am a female, only 50 and ended up in the doctor's office last March after living with my symptoms (and not really realizing I had a problem) for the better part of a year. I was in pain, stiff, tired and becoming depressed. My doctor suspected Polymyalgia and started me on 80mg of prednisone. For the first 2 days it ate at my stomach and I had to add Losec for my stomach. After that initial setback I felt perfect almost over night. I had 3 weeks of feeling wonderful (and realizing only then how long I had been suffering). My doctor felt the response to the prednisone confirmed his diagnosis but has referred me to a rheumatologist for furthere confirmation. As my dosage of prednisone was decreased, the symptoms returned. At 25 mg. we stopped decreasing but side effects made it necessary to continue decreasing - blood pressure, blood sugar and weight gain. I am currently down to 10 mg and just tolerating the pain in order to get off the prednisone. My SED rate remains high although it has fluctuated regardless of how I have felt. I finally get in to see the rheumatologist next week. I look forward to what he has to say and what he recommends as far as treatment is concerned. I am going to physio 2/week and this helps with the stiffness. I still work although for the past 3 months it has only been part time as a result of the lethargy, stiffness and pain.