polymyalgia rheumatica treatments

[y5kids]

My Mother has been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica.  They told her about the steroid treatments.  However, we are very concerned about the long term effects of steroids.  Is there any alternatives?

[Island Chick]

My mother has been diagnosed with Maralgia Rheumatica, is reluctant to take steroid medications, so I'm searching for alternative treatments also.

[Terrie2008]

Hi
I have been to my Dr today to ask if there is an alternative to steroids which I have been taking for some time I am slowly coming off them and the side affects coming down are terrible.

I was told by my Dr who is very good that the steroids are less aggressive than the other ones that could be taken so it looks like its steroids or fight through the pain its a catch 22.  

Terrie  

[victoria_4398]

i am 24 years old having severe aches and joint pain especially in the mornings. it radiates pretty much all over hips, knees, upper arms, ect.. about a year ago i couldn't get out of bed get dressed hardly it was reallybad. i had went to a dr about this and he told me i had polymyalgia rheumatica. he gave me 20mg prednisone for about 2 weeks and my symptoms went away until now. i've just started doing research on this disease and i can not find anything about women my age having this. mainly in women 50 and older. i was wondering if anyone could help me if anyone has any information thats not on the internet. it does get better now with prednisone. i'm just curious because i'm so young and can barely get outta bed and get dressed. any response would be greatly appreciated.

[Dianque]

I am female, will be 62 in November.  I've had fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica
since 1999.  To make a long story short, my doctor couldn't tell whether or not it was
the fibro or poly that was causing the pain, so after getting blood work done, it was a
clear decision to the doc I was in the middle of a storming polymyalgia rheumatica.  My
sed rate was 30, the other test that is done for inflammation was 60.  I was put back on
steriods but was also put on metho (chemo-therapy) and now am feeling so much better
than I hav for a long time.

Yes, the steriods are awful.  I was on them for 10 years.  And between my regular doc
and my rheumatologist, was able to get off.  But now am still on them.  Hopefully, by
October 13, when I go see my rheumy, she can wean me off of those awful things and
I will be still on the chemo.

Sometimes the symtoms with the pain and agony outweights the treatment.  In other
words, we have to bear in mind treatment may be gosh awful and hard to get off of,
but in the long run, you will benefit from it.  I chose my way.  and I haven't had any
regrets.  But I am also a retired nurse and can see what others may not see.  I have
faith and when you have faith, you have everything.

dianque