The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Martin (Kansas) on 02/06/2023
★★★★★
I developed polymyalgia rheumatica in 2020. I live in a small town. My doctor had almost never seen this. He had three cases in one week. This got me thinking what was everyone doing differently. With covid, many people upped their vit d supplement. I had this for nine months. Luckily I had a vit d test in late November, it was a 78. I first developed this in the middle of july. I was getting a lot of sun then. I was taking a lot of other supplements too. I'm guessing that my vit d level was over 100 in July. Too much vit d can lead to absorbing too much calcium. After a while, all this calcium in our tissues causes our immune system to attack it. I did have gout with this, during this brief time, my shoulder pain went completely away. I did have a shoulder xray that showed some calcium deposit.
So I think as we sleep we dehydrate just a little and the tendons calcify, then our bodies attack this. I also read one article talking about interluekin 6 being high. I believe one of the reasons prednisone worked was by causing you to piss calcium out, the white cloud in the toilet, but the bottle says to take milk with it. I'm not telling you not to take milk, because there are long term side effects of long time steroid use. hip replacement, cataracts. It takes months to get rid of high vit d levels. I tried serrapeptase, it worked great, but after two days I had side effects. It eats scar tissue. I had had a hernia repair a year ago and have a bad knee with scar tissue inside apparently, they both started hurting after just two days use. I stopped it and the hernia fills fine now, but if you dont have any previous injuries or surgeries it might help you.
So what worked for me. No vit d, No multivitamins, limited sunlight, no eggs.
I took magnesium malate following label. Drink apple juice, malic acid in it. Eat bananas. I took a potassium pill a day. I also had a a half teaspoon of alfalfa. I took DHEA as it will help with making hormones that get downregulated with the prednisone as you wean off. I took chanca piedra for a while. I used some CBD in drops and in a oil rub for the shoulders, I also sometimes used a product called Lymphocare by Baar for massage, it has some peanut oil in it. I took epsom salt hot baths. Fasting helped clear some calcium but increased macrophages, so didn't help too much. Exercise if you can, start small, do shoulder exercises and walk. Get a vit d test to see if that could be the culprit. I believe some other supplements can increase calcium absorption also, I had been taking multiple. I also took fish oil up to three grams, it helped a little. I believe low dose naltrexone would work, but my doctor refused.
I always take a small amount of anything new to my body to see how I handle it first to avoid any emergency room visits, have not had any but have been close. Everyone is different and may be on medications that react badly to some supplements. I am a male and weigh 250 this would affect all dose sizes to others also.
Also, look up interleukin 6 reducing foods and follow those diets. I know your pain. You can get better. It will take time. Winter is your friend, less sunlight. Mine is completely gone today. It lasted 9 months. I may be wrong, but this is what may have worked for me. Even some probiotics can change some interleukins. My tendons got so stiff in my shoulders first, then my legs, and then my chest, where my chest popped frequently.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by RSW (OH) on 08/19/2022
Thank you, His Jewel, New York, for your suggestions to alleviate inflammation. I have taken some of those supplements over the years before I got this PMR, but have not taken the COQ10 for a while now. I may need to try that again. Yesterday, while home alone, I squatted down to pat my cat in the morning, and I, too, felt there was too much of something behind my knees and painful (my husband thinks maybe Bakers cysts(?), and I immediately fell over and smacked my head against the kitchen wall, so I won't be doing that again for a while. I can bend over and pick things up from the floor now, and pat my cat, but I have to watch to not compress my knees too much and just bend at the waist. I have been thinking of adding one drop of 1% USP Methylene Blue, to a glass of water because I feel my thinking is slower, but as yet have not taken the plunge. I did buy the brand on Amazon recommended by Dr. Mercola, but just not sure how things may react with the prednisone.
I keep thinking I need to embrace this, but find I am usually thinking of fighting it instead. Still, all things considered, I am doing much better than I was just a few months ago, and for that I am grateful. I will look into your other suggestions, as well, and I so appreciate your sharing your knowledge and your time to help me. I have always enjoyed your posts on Earth Clinic. Thank you so much for taking the time to post the links and responding. I will look into what you have suggested. Thank you!
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 08/15/2022
Greetings RSW of OH, You can kick this pain out!
My mother use to say, "Never trust a woman who will tell her age because if she tells her age, she'll tell anything." But when I found out they give out discounts and some free stuff after age sixty-five I started telling everything that it is safe and helpful to share; after all, who knows how many more years I will have to share them. Therefore, my secret recipes are not a secret anymore; so here are a few of my back to health recipes.
When I first realized I had a serious case of stiffness (instead just standing up out of a chair, my achy body had to push up out of the chair), I was in my early sixties. What worked a wonder was 50,000 IU's of D3 daily for about a week, then down to 10,000 IU's of D3 daily.
After I began to take the high dose Vitamin d3, in the morning I would get up with an instantaneous stretch like I used to have when I was young. Be sure to take a K2 vitamin along with your Vitamin D3. I simply use Life Extension's "Super K" it has the Ks in a good amount.
About a year later, I noticed another change in me, I just did not feel like doing anything, and then I learned about "Pregnenolone" and "Dhea." When I took them, I had the Mind to Accomplish something. I take them at a low dose because I did not ask my doctor. I switch brands sometimes, I have found they all work for me as I keep them around 25mg. Younger women may only need 5mgs check with your doctor. What you can do if you find it to strong is only take them once or twice a week. Charity had mentioned that, that was a great Idea.
When I was praying about healing for my gums, I was also researching. One of the suggestions that some people from YouTube and Amazon said helped their gums to recover was CoQ10, many of them also said that that their doctor prescribed CoQ10 for them to take alongside their Statins, so maybe you have already tried CoQ10.
When I tried CoQ10 for my gums, it was a healing miracle; I got the ability to walk with stamina again. I had been riding from bus stop to bus stop. I did not want to do any walking or standing. The CoQ10 also stopped the muscle pain that was in fold at the back of my knee. The soreness pain is not there anymore. Anyway, as I studied about CoQ10, one doctor said he did not see good results using CoQ10 unless his patients used at least 400mgs a day. So start low, but don't be disappointed if there is no improvement, you may just need to take an extra dose.
I have tried several brands, whichever brand I buy, I get the gel caps they work better for me. See if your doctor will work with you to achieve less pain using CoQ10. Your system may take more or less than someone else's. According to the following article, they have tested with at least as much as 1200 mgs of CoQ10 depending on what the infirmity was. Also, please pay attention to your blood pressure. CoQ10 brings my top number down every time, except If eat crackers, you get it.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5807419/
In your leisure, please check out the above PubMed study. If you do not have the time to read it all, jump down to the part about 2/3s down the page that says "Inflammation".
I do pray that this will help you kick that painful ailment out.
HisJewel
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by RSW (OH) on 08/12/2022
Hi Chriss,
Just looking over these posts because I suddenly started having a hard time walking, carrying packages, getting out of bed or going down the stairs in my house. At first I thought I had over done the gardening, or housework and injured myself. It got worse and worse from May 1 until late July, when I finally found a doctor and was prescribed five days of 40mg prednisone after having very high CRP and ESR. It worked well for a couple of days after I stopped it, and then the pain came back again. Finally, after anothe month, my doctor prescribed 10 mg prednisone, which did nothing, so I upped it to 15mg, which relieved most of the pain. I now also have very bad osteoporosis, and my doctor told me this week if I trip or fall, I will certainly also break a bone. I have taken yoga for decades, walk, and have been physically active, so this was a surprise. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist in November, so it has been a long summer. I lost my appetite because of the constant pain, and lost 20 lbs., but the prednisone seems to be helping my appetite. I have found I can eat a peach in the morning so I can take the prednisone. My doctor told me to stop drinking tea because the caffeine depletes calcium. Coming from a family with an English Mother, and tea was consumed many times a day, this was a challenge, but caffeine free is OK, I would imagine, and I am drinking that.
My Mother also had this, but I thought I had just overdone the gardening and cleaning, and didn't connect it to my Mother, which was decades ago. I am finally improving. I was told if I didn't take statins, I could end up in the hospital with a heart attack (both of my parents had heart attacks, Father also had a stroke, and cerebral strokes have taken many of my relatives at young ages, so I took them for eight years). That may be the link to the PMR, and my Mother also took statins. I will be glad to be rid of this, and also hoping my eyes are OK from Giant Cell Arteritis at the November appt. It's been a long summer! Take care.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by chrissj (bloomfield hills, MI) on 08/12/2022
Marty, (and also Rsw! )...after my rheumatologist listing my PMR case as 'resolved' in 2019, I feel that maybe it is back. I'm going to make an appointment next week because I can't stand this stiffness and pain! It started up again with a stiff neck and shoulders, November 2021, after I started on statins (per the cardiologist as I have high cholesterol and a stent). Surprise, surprise. I had also just had the booster for Covid in September. I plan to tell the rheumatologist all of this(no longer taking statins and I'm not going to get any more boosters! ). Dealing with the stiff neck, shoulder, hip and leg pains and back pain and thinking it was all just arthritis. I've been through Physical Therapy and Chiropractic treatments (upper cervical) and to a neurologist. Nothing has really helped. NSAIDS sort of take the edge off and I do take Arnica pellets each day. Hope you (and Rsw's mother) are better. I'm hoping for some kind of relief from this also. I do remember asking my rheumatologist if it could return and he said, 'yes'. So, we will see.
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Henry (Toronto) on 08/09/2022
Hi Dia and everyone interested in the herbal treatment mentioned above. I am an acupuncturist and herbalist. I am treating a patient with PMR now. The way Chinese herbal formulas work is that it's different for everyone, even if the disease is the same. An East Asian practitioner will look at why this disease happened for you specifically and what other symptoms beyond the PMR may be present and contributing to the lack of healing. Chinese herbs can be powerful and, if used improperly, have serious side effects. Always consult a trained professional.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Marty (Arizona) on 07/29/2022
Hi, Chriss!
Yours is the first PMR writeup that mentions hand problems. I had very disabling PMR about 5 weeks ago and am on 20mg pred per day, and it is really gotten me back to "normal." My hands both were very painful, swollen, stiff, and weak. Couldn[t even bend the fingers on my right hand in the a.m.'s. Now it's time to start weaning for the pred! Hope your recovery continues and you are fully back to normal.
By the way, I grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan. On Green Lake, then we moved to Upper Long Lake. You may be familiar with these!!
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Dia (Usa) on 07/19/2018
This would be a lot more encouraging and informative if Linda would have shared what the tea was made of / a name for it, etc. Without identifying it the info is almost useless.
MSM
Posted by Territ (Va) on 05/20/2018
★★★★★
My Dad suffers from PNR and literally could not get out of the chair. He began taking MSM (organic sulfur crystals) 1 tsp of the crystals in a little liquid TWICE a day. Bought them on Amazon.
He couldn't get out of his chair...joints hurt him that bad but he is now regularly walking down to the chicken coop. The sulfur worked pretty quick...I think he really felt the results in his joints within a week. He added the other thing later so they at this point may be working in conjunction.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Liz Z. (Michigan, Usa) on 05/06/2018
My experience is like many others here. Probable diagnosis based on high sed rate and c-reactive protein. I was told the real proof of diagnosis would be a trial of prednisone. I am rejecting taking that med at present due to side effects. My confusion comes from nightshade plants, some say yes others definitely no. I am under care of functional medicine doctor who has ok'd them in my diet. Does everyone on this list eliminate nightshades and where can I find more info on this?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Soazburrady (Az) on 04/24/2018
★★★★★
Leslie,
Sorry to hear of the PMR. It is, indeed, a difficult problem to handle without the steroids. I will try to make this as short as possible: woke up in December with pain in my left shoulder and upper arm. Shortly thereafter, both legs began to hurt - felt like shin splints. I couldn't remember any physical activity that could have been the cause. During the next few weeks, I intermittently had pain in my hips, both shoulders and trapezius muscle. I have worked in the medical "industry" all my life, and so it finally clicked that I had all the symptoms of PMR. I knew the indicated treatment was prednisone, but since I had been on prednisone for 35 years for intractable asthma (took me 2 years to wean myself off), I preferred an alternate solution. Intent on finding a non-steroidal treatment, I read every available bit of material - this site being my first go-to. Being fed up with the pain, and an impatient person to boot, I used my usual shotgun approach!
Now, it is about 5 months later, and I am almost pain free from my self diagnosed polymyalgia. You can try things one at a time if you wish, or go for my all in approach, but this was what worked for me: Colloidal silver 10 ppm 2 Tb 3x a day (there is evidence that PMR is brought on by residual virus), Olive Leaf extract (same reason), homeopathic arnica montana 30x 4 pellets 2x a day, homeopathic hypericum perf. 30x 4pellets 2x a day, rhus toxicodendrum 6x 4 pellets 2x a day, vitamin B 50, benfotiamine 300, Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg, and Turmeric, Bromelain, and Devils Claw throughout the day (when I thought of it). Additionally, heat feels really good, and when I needed a pain medication, aspirin worked the best.
Phew! I know, it is a lot. But, for me, much better than prednisone. Also, keep in mind, I did not have an official diagnosis. I know very little about homeopathic remedies, but did an enormous amount of reading, and came up with this combo. I apologize for the length of my post, but this particular problem is fairly complicated. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Leslie (Fountain, Co) on 04/21/2018
Painful PMR. Need more ideas. Do NOT want to live like this. Always active before. Taking prednisone.
Reishi Extract, Licorice Tea
Posted by Geo (Burnaby, Bc) on 03/10/2018
★★★★★
Reishi Extract for PMR
Reishi Extract combined with licorice root tea twice a day has quickly reduced 'muscle drag' and difficulty in arising. I should also mention that I have a high alkaline, vegan diet. No sugar, no stimulants, no alcohol. No doubt this helps set the stage for the notable improvement in my PMR, but apple cider vinegar and theracumin daily was not very helpful even with the same careful diet. I strongly recommend the Reishi tincture (Host Defense) plus licorice root to any PMR sufferers.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Alana (Kent, England) on 02/17/2018
I too have polymyalgia and have read your blog with great interest. I wondered what you meant about the lauralin pellets causing detox symptoms. What symptoms would they be please?
Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar, Curcumin
Posted by Dave (Wichita, Ks) on 01/11/2018
I'm curious have you ever looked at your dietary history and possible links to food intake and inflammation GMOs preservatives denatured Foods Etc if it were me I would look into the possibilities of kale and beet juice to help with your inflammation along with your tumeric and ACV.. just some ideas... hope this helps
Apple Cider Vinegar, Curcumin
Posted by George (Burnaby, Bc) on 01/10/2018
★★★★★
Polymyalgia Rheumatica - Thanks for this very useful blog! Can anyone tell me about possible lowering of CRP blood levels thru use of curcumin and AC vinegar? These 2 have kept me away from use of prednisone quite effectively, but the CRP level question is one I'd like to answer without more medical appointments if possible. I'll look further thru the entries here in case it has been disclosed.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cherie P. (Tasmania, Australia) on 12/31/2017
★★★★★
Regarding PMR:
Hi All, After 3 months just not feeling right and very tired my shoulder got really sore which then traveled to my arms, neck and finally to my lower back and hips. I felt very tired, mild fevers, vision changes, teary and in pain especially on waking. I am a practicing Naturopath and have cured myself of fibromyalgia and thyroid disease so there was no way I was going to believe "there is no known cure" I went back through my diary and realised I had influenza 12 weeks before and did not have enough time to rest to get over it properly as I was running my clinic. What I believe has happened in the low grade flu virus has infiltrated the joints and blood vessels causing the immune system to fight back which causes inflammation as the weakened immune system tries to destroy the virus.
After devising my own treatment, In 4 days I feel 60% better...still some stiffness in the neck and pain in my shoulders and sleepiness around the middle of the day but generally much brighter, energetic and less sore. My vision seems to be returning to normal.
My protocol:
1. Lauricidin (Monolaurin pellets) to kill all pathogens- Start low at 6 pellets 3 times a day and build up to 1 scoop three times a day. This could take weeks as the die off from the viral load can cause detox symptoms.
2. Fish Oils 10-12 grams a day as a powerful antiinflammatory
3. Essential Oil Mix to rub directly into the sore areas to kill the virus directly and releive inflammtion- THIS HAS BEEN AMAZING!
- Oregano Oil 40 drops
- Frankincense Oil 60 drops
- Teatree Oil 40 drops
- Peppermint Oil 40 drops
- Ginger Oil 20 drops
Combine in a dropper bottle and rub 4 drops into each shoulder/neck/arm with some coconut oil three times a day. DONT MISS as this continual flow of antivirals will really help reduce the viral load.
4. Rest as much as possible and eat low inflammatory food: No sugar, wheat, dairy or industrial seed oils.
This protocol is working incredibly for me. I couldn't believe after my 8 year battle with fibromyalgia I was going to be faced with another chronic inflammatory disease. My 5 years of study taught me to look for a root cause. Every disease starts for a reason and I believe polymyalgia is post viral inflammation.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Peggy (California) on 11/29/2017
Yes, I came down with PMR (or so they think) one week after getting a Prolia injection. I went from excellent health to almost disabled by joint and muscle pain. I refused to go on Prednisone. I will be trying the suggestions from this site.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 07/27/2017
Chriss,
My Mother got PMR after taking statin drugs. One doctor on a reputable site says when her patients say they have been diagnosed with PMR, she immediately asks if they ever have/are taking a statin drug. I am happy to hear you are doing well with your protocol.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Chrissj (Bloomfield Hills, Mi) on 07/26/2017
★★★★☆
I am drinking my ginger tea as I type this...I also take a tumeric capsule (with the pepper added) and 2 tsp ACV in water every morning. Just before bed, I drink magnesium tea to help relax the muscles. This is in addition to my other supplements (D, C, B-12, iodine, ). Of course, being diagnosed with PMR in 2014, I also still need to take prednisone. I am now down to 2mg daily, which my rheumatologist says is very low...yay! I am being weaned very slowly off of it, having started in the spring of 2014 (when I diagnosed myself via the internet). First, I just tried a dose pack and the symptoms (sore arms, hips, legs, back etc) came right back after going away for a short time. In October 2014 I had my first Dr app't and yes, that PMR diagnosis was correct and I was started on 20mg of prednisone daily. It was scary taking that drug as I know all the awful side effects. However, it got rid of most of the pain and the doctor began slowly tapering my dose. I was positive I would be off it in less than a year...haha. Every time I tried to go too low, the symptoms would come right back and I'd have to increase the pred. again. How did I get this condition is what I want to know. My niece is in a rheum fellowship and she sent me a long paper on how it could be a virus or bacterial infection and it may have connections to a vaccine (aha...flu shots, which I will NEVER have again!! ). They say there could also be a genetic connection; however, I know of no one in my family that's ever heard of it, let alone had it. My fingers are also swollen with arthritic joints and I don't know if that's part of it. My dr just calls it osteoarthritis. Getting up in the morning is difficult and I need a full two hours of walking around to be able to move semi-normally. If I stay in one position too long (i.e. out to eat with friends), I have difficulty walking when I get out of the chair. But, the good news is, although it's been three years now, it IS slowly getting better. I am thankful to only be on 2mg of pred. now and hope I can taper off even more. I try to do light aerobics in the AM and try to get 10,000 steps on the fitbit....all that helps. Lifting anything but very light weights brings on more pain so I don't do much of that. In short, it's been a longer journey than I originally anticipated. In fact, I feel it may have started in 2013 (I did have a flu shot that year), when I fainted due to anemia....also a symptom of PMR. Hang in there, people, and do what your dr advises...but also, be your own medical advocate and research into treatments that help (tumeric, ginger, ACV, exercise, magnesium tea before bed).
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 05/08/2017 2048 posts
Linda: I lost my nephew last yr to the most dereliction of duties of any oncologist I have ever witnessed or know of. LJoey was a special person with passions & dreams left to not be fulfilled in this earth-time.
A close historical analysis shows exactly how his illness was financially very profitable for big business and a total loss on the family end. Of course this is just an example of the power of the disease care industry today. A very successful business model.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Linda (Greenville, Maine) on 05/08/2017
Good luck with your Mom. I miss mine everyday. She had giant cell, but was diagnosed for poly and given prednisone. She lost her sight, had a stoke etc. She was drastically fatigued. The doc said her time was up and put her in holistic care, the holistic nurse slapped on the phentenol (spelling?) patches and killed her as she was not aware enough to eat or drink ( I think she died of thirst and it haunts me everyday, wondering if in her drugged state she was looking for water every minute - there is not enough therapy for me to ever get over this). I would like to sue the medical industry, they REALLY do kill the elderly. I wish everyday I had researched the poly and the giant cell and not relied on the docs. My father broke his hip and due to his terrible fear and anxiety in the hospital was temporarily demented and they advised us of PALiTIVE care - which is death thru increasing doses of morphine. I know now if I had just taken him home and his mind would have calmed down and he would have survived. I hate the docs and they killed my parents and I listened to them and I know that if I am ever in their care, they will kill me to) so protect your Mom thru much research and I hope she will die a natural death when it is really her time.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Emily (Australia) on 04/17/2017
I am pleased to know that you can wean yourself off Prednisone. I was diagnosed last October and started off with 20mg of Prednisone and now down to 5mg, ie close to 6 months. I have a relapse at the moment, as this 5mg doesn't seem to help on some days. However, I think when I next visit the rheumatologist in the next couple of weeks, she would probably increase the dosage.
I am very interested in natural remedy and would like to know how long did you take the Prednisone for before going on to natural remedy and diet. Did you go the naturalpath?
Emily
Apple Cider Vinegar, B Complex
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 03/18/2017
Hi Kim,
My Mother was on statin drugs and developed PMR. She always trusted doctors and would not get off the statin. For many years, she had to have someone fix her hair and clean her condo, change her bedding, etc because the pain in her shoulders was so great. (She lived in FL, away from her family). She took prednisone for years to be able to get around. When I was put on statins (before I wised up and became educated), I developed Lichen Planus, a sickening little autoimmune disease that has been linked to stain drugs, also. I had never even heard of it. Apparently the statins can do DNA damage that appears to be irreversible for some, at this point in time. I now also have Sjogren's autoimmune. Read up on the damage that lowering your cholesterol can do to the body and mind, especially in people's over 60, and compare the 20-30% permanently harmed with the feeble 1% less risk of having a heart attack over many years, and try to figure out why anyone would put them in their bodies, except that they are the biggest money maker for Big Pharm. The "Spacedoc" site documents Dr. Duane Graveline's deterioration from excellent health from taking low dose statins only for two short periods of time, to his death which he accurately predicted based on his studies. He was not only an MD but an astronaut and had written many books about the dangers of statins, as he researched the consequences. His site documents research from many prominent doctors and researchers on statin risks and small benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar, B Complex
Posted by Kim (Tilbury, Ontario) on 03/18/2017
My mother-in-law has been on statin drugs for 20 years and developed PMR about 2 1/2 years ago. She also gets the flu shot. She is on a steroid, but wants to get off because it is not working. After reading thousands of blogs and web-sites, I think she needs to fix her diet and vitamin regimen before she gets off the drugs. Are you still on statin drugs?
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Nancy (Chadds Ford, Pa) on 01/01/2017
Carol, just read your info re PMR. Written on my birthday :)....I was diagnosed 1/2016 w/PMR...urgent care dr put me on 20 mg Prednisone immediately and by that afternoon I was able to move around normally! Prior to visit movement was getting so bad I could not get out of bed unless I swiveled around on back and rolled over to stand. Finally saw rheum dr and has been weaning me of prednisone since Jan 2016. I have finished w/prednisone and see dr in 1.5 mo. Not satisfied with how I feel daily....hand sometimes swells at knuckles and 2 mid fingers. Although, when this all happened they told me I had carpal tunnel in both hands. Would like to find a more long lasting treatment w/o drugs! Thank you for your info.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Jerry (Pittsburgh) on 11/21/2016
I have the flares for past three years...hip...shoulder..opposite head lobe and foot pain swellind......I just had flu shot and have three in last two months since ...started on prednisone till I am formally diagnosed with pmr.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Joyce (Emigrant, Mt.) on 11/19/2016
Really relate to your comment. I have been in pain for 2 months, but diagnosed myself with pmr after studying symptom lists online, and await appt with Rheumatologist. They are so busy with people with these symptoms it's sometimes months to get to see them! Reg. Md just shrugged and didn't know what was wrong after blood screen. A nurse whispered that the symptom sufferers are in huge numbers locally.
I have researched sites to see how people treat and kept finding the dreaded "Pred." Tempting to relieve my intense pain, but nope, not for me. I appreciate your taking the time to contribute your alternative success tools. I will get my "diagnosis" but will diligently begin alternative treatments. It's exciting really to learn to take responsibility for my health. Grateful that nature provides so many answers.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Carol (Old Lyme, Ct) on 10/27/2016
I have just been diagnosed with PMR after suffering with horrible pain and barely able to walk, lift my arms, swollen hand and feet, couldn't dress myself. I saw 6 specialists in 2-1/2 months and the hand specialist "cracked the case! " My left hand was double in sisev and he put me on 20 mg of prednisone which I took it for 7 days decreasing the amount down to one on the last day. He also ordered sed rate test and that showed that my body was totally inflamed. The prednisone was like a miracle - I was able to walk and go up and down the stairs after taking two pills! Hand back to normal on second day. But pains came back as soon as. Was done. I then went to my rheumatologist who has me on 9 mg a day.
Judy, I agree with what you are doing - the supplements you are taking and foods you are eating. I have taken many of these supplements but need to buy a good B complex. I will be going to a naturepathic Doctor in two weeks to see what she recommends. I am trying to avoid inflammatory foods - no citrus, coffee, sugar, nightshade veggies, deli meats. Not sure about dairy but NP will advise me.
I have been so healthy and getting sick out of nowhere threw me for a loop. I just heard from my doctor and all tests he did for other diseases came back negative!!
I'm so happy to find this message board and thank you and everyone on it for their suggestions. 😊
Garlic
Posted by Joe (Myrtle Beach) on 09/24/2016
Can anyone tell me how much garlic per day? I will estimate a bit more, as I am 190 pounds! Thanks.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Judy (Australia) on 08/23/2016
I was diagnosed in 2013 now 2016. I had to find my own cure, for pmr, a natural diet high in antiinfllammatory foods, omega 3s tumeric, ginger, and the pineapple enzyme Bromelain, vitd3 vitc vite magnesium, for cramping, vit b complex for nerves, calcium and vitk2 for bone building, leafy greens, avocado, fruit, digestive enzymes, all helped, today, I swim, do water aerobics 3times a week, bowl twice a week do pilates once per week, garden, and enjoy life, I do not need painkillers, and I have weaned myself off prednisolone, after the initial6 months, of horrible symptoms, this regime worked for me, I will continue and fine tune this program for the rest of my life, as I do not want to relapse, I try to stay stress free, I believe in dancing music and stretching and having a positive mind set, and I hope others who have this condition will compare my suggestions with others who have similar, results, building up the immune system I believe, is the key to returning to good health.
Ashwagandha
Posted by Megams (Auckland Nz) on 05/30/2016
I am new to this site, but prior to my PMR diagnosis 19 + months ago I was a regular user of Ashwagandha, a wonderful soothing adrendal herb used to assist with day to day stress.
Since being on steroids, Ashwagandha is not recommended due to there being contra-indications to that of the effectiveness of the steroid.
Eventually I will return to this wonderful herb once I cease needing the steroid.
7-Keto-DHEA
Posted by Jocelyn (Toronto) on 04/03/2016
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
WARNING: I do not advise my patients to go anywhere near DHEA as it's contraindicated with anyone with a history of cancer.
DHEA can stimulate testosterone and estrogen hormones and can excite remission cancers.
Anti-inflammatory diet is a good start including removal of all nightshades - these are inflammatory foods. I also recommend moving the body into an alkaline state. You can do this with the introduction of lots of leafy dark greens, legumes, beta-carotene foods - any orange vegetable: squash, sweet potato/yam, carrots, lots of vitamin C foods (raw not cooked as vit C is destroyed by cooking) vitamin E for vascular health, and good fats like avocados, coconut oils, olive oils, flax/hemp oils. REMOVE Canola, corn and soy oils as these are highly GMOd here in North America.
Soups, stews, smoothies are a great to include lots of nutrients in one meal.
Lots of supplements- but a good multivitamin 2x/day is a good start (NOT from a drug store go to a health food store) a 2:1 mag/cal - 500mg mag/500mg calcium combo is great at helping the muscles relax, and take them 6hrs apart. It takes your body 6hrs to metabolize these nutrients; more is not better.
Hope this helps.
Jocelyn - Nutritionist
Ayurvedic Byna
Posted by Susan (Usa) on 03/04/2016
I just read your comments about BYNA, have you discovered anything more about this. I have PMR and have tried just about everything.
Ted's Remedies Reader Feedback
Posted by Silvertone (Mountain View, Ca) on 02/20/2016
Lemon and soda? Can you explain?
EC: Here is Ted's protocol:
One whole fresh lemon juice you just squeezed yourself, then mix add some water, to about 1/2 glass of water at least. Then keep adding baking soda 1/4 teaspoon each time, until it the lemon juice tastes like water. Then drink this twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. This will effectively alkalize the body, increase the immunity by more oxygen, raise the antioxidant level of ORP (oxidation reduction potential) of -140 millivolts, so the body can recover.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Eleanor E. (Alabama) on 02/07/2016
★★★★★
I have PMR and am taking 7mg of Prednisone daily. I also drink ginger tea in the afternoons (a pint) and think it is helping. I tried several recipes before I found one that was acceptable.
Steep one quart of water, juice of one lemon, and 1/4 cup of finely grated ginger (grate with a zester) for 20 minutes. Strain and add 1/4 cup raw honey, pour over ice and drink with a straw.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Lyn (Texas) on 01/31/2016
WARNING!
In addition to the flu vaccine,
beware of bone density drugs. My PMR began following the start of my taking Actonel. I had such a severe reaction to Actonel, my doctor took me off that and started me on Boniva, which had even more severe side effects than Actonel. I then stopped Boniva, but the symptoms continued and worsened. Finally I was diagnosed with PMR. Like you, the only thing that worked for me was prednisone. I had to take it for almost 5 years, as the PMR returned without it.
Beware of the bone density drugs, as they have other serious side effects as well. My doctor says that although they may make bones denser, they also can make them more brittle and easier to break.
Ashwagandha
Posted by Buddy (Woody Creek, Co) on 01/19/2016
Can I start taking herbal supplements while on prednisone? I have been on pred. for 1.5 mo. 20mg a day.
Ashwagandha
Posted by Buddy Ortega (Woody Creek Co) on 01/19/2016
Where do you get ashwaganda? It sounds like it might work for PMR.
EC: Hello,
Try amazon.com.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Joannie (Abbotsford, Bc, Canada) on 11/16/2015
Did the Turmeric and Ginger Tea help? J.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Gary M. (N. Ca.) on 10/17/2015
I received a flu shot in 2005 and soon after became stiff and painful in hips, shoulders and hand knuckles. This was the year that 48 million flu shots were found to be contaminated and were destroyed, then were available in jan. 2005. I suspect the shots were still contaminated.
I was put on Prednisone and took it for 3-.4 years until I could ween myself off of it. I filed a claim with the HHS Vacine injury Compensation Program and was ultilmately rewarded a fat check but not nearly enough.
Now Oct.17, 2015 I am begining to experience a recurrence of the PMR symtoms and will see my doctors ASAP.
You must file a claim no later than 3 yrs. after your vaccine shot.
Good luck
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Helen (Uk) on 07/01/2015
WARNING!
Hello all
I was just doing some research for a good freind who has been diagnosed Polymyalgia to see if I could find any alternative meds - I always look in that direction myself.
Word of caution however on the Chinese Herbal medicine - I tried it for a kidney problem I have - it was a few years ago now - it tasted vile but it did make me feel much better so I didn't mind. What I didn't know is that one of the herbs was a natural steroid and that was what was making me feel great but it was also covering up what turned into a very nasty kidney infection so please be careful.
Helen
Ashwagandha
Posted by Albert (British Columbia) on 06/12/2015
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with PMR last year. It was tolerable for a time but then I started getting stiffness in my legs and severe pains in my hips. A couple of months ago, I started taking Ashwagandha (ayurvedic cure for ailing memory) pills to aid my memory, four days later I was pain free and it's basically been that way for two months.
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Linda (Jacksonville, Fl) on 01/29/2015
Regarding Chinese Herbalist and your friend with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. She should not give up looking for good results. If she is not getting good results, she should go back to the herbalist and let her know it is not working or look for another in her area. I hope this helps
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Linda (Jacksonville, Fl) on 01/28/2015
I haven't looked on this feed for a few months. I have been seeing a Chinese Accupunturist (sp) that practices Chinese herbs and it has worked wonders on my PMR. After about 3 months on the tea she gave me I am pain free. Each week some symptom improved until I could move freely.I still have PMR but the symptoms are so mild.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheila (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/18/2015
Thank you for this information. I will definitely try it also. After the Flu Shot...Polymyalgia Rheumatica symptoms starting occurring a few weeks later and I'm on prednisone but want to find something else that would help. The pain is returning after a month.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Sheila (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/18/2015
I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) a month after I had the Flu Shot. My doctor said that is not the cause of it, but I'm pretty sure it was. I've never had any of the symptoms until after the shot. What didn't make sense is I'm 40 and that's very rare to have it so the doc was leary about diagnosing it PMR but all my symptoms led to the conclusion. The pain got so bad where I couldn't get out of bed, couldn't sit on and off the toilet and I could barely walk. I have never heard of this sickness and now that I've seen and read that so many other people have them makes me feel better for the support but also scared about side effects due to me being on Prednisone. It seemed to be the only thing that helped with my pain and now I'm weening off it with a stronger ibuprofen. I've been ok for about a month now but it seems the pain is returning. I'm trying everything as far as eating healthier yet it seems to still be flaring up. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions of drinks and proper vitamin intakes. I'll try those.
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Melody (Brisbane) on 01/06/2015
I read your article and was very interested in your comments. My mother suffers from polymyalgia and she said the symptoms related from a flu injection. Please contact me 33710793 Brisbane.
Garlic
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/23/2014
Judy, do the exercises UP to the pain, not INTO the pain.
Garlic
Posted by Judy (Timberlea, Nova Scotia) on 12/23/2014
Hi Helen, I have had PMR for 3 years. Trying to get off predisone. I'm down to 1 mg. I'm doing leg and arm exercises now. Unfortunately getting bad pain in both arms. Have y expierenced anything like that?
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Sandhya (Maui, Hawaii) on 10/29/2014
My friend has Polymyalgia Rheumatica and the statins are awful yet the pain was much better. Her immune system went way down. She tried Chinese herbs but the ones she received weren't working. Could you put down the herbal formula for everyone please? How much is you pain on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 being the lowest? Thank you for sharing.
Chinese Herbs
Posted by Linda (Jacksonville, Fl) on 10/28/2014
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica in June and not wanting to take the normal 2 yrs of steroids I went looking for more natural remedies. I couldn't fine any ayarvedic specialist in the area so I tried Chinese herbalist. TaDa, she gave me a tea with many anti inflammatory properties and I noticed a difference within 24 hrs. I was pretty much immobile and week by week I gain more movement. My joints still hurt but I feel that with time this will be repaired also. I hope those of you with PMR will find this encouraging for your future.
Apple Cider Vinegar, B Complex
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 10/13/2014
To Wayne's wife,
Just FYI, it is not uncommon for people who are on a statin drug to develop Polymyagria Rheumatica. I don't know if Wayne is on this medication or not, but if so, it might be something to think about. Best wishes!
Apple Cider Vinegar, B Complex
Posted by Marylee (Seattle, Wa) on 10/12/2014
Hi Wife of Wayne,
can't answer your questions about homeopathics and insurance, but you can buy raw and organic Apple Cider Vinegar at most grocery store since it's become so popular. You can also find it online. Whole Foods has several raw and organic Apple Cider Vinegar "with the mother" brands. Trader Joe's carries it. Regular old grocery stores also carry the brand "Bragg", but it's more expensive now than the other brands which are just are good. I've tested them all! Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar, B Complex
Posted by Wife of Wayne (Hawley, Minn.) on 10/12/2014
I read about taking apple cider vinegar but where does one buy it since it has to be raw?? My husband, Wayne has PMR and is on predisone and has for about 15 months now...he has days where he is so sore, stiff and tired and I feel so sorry for him... he is concerned about going off prednisone as when he gets down to about 15 or less it really acts up.. now he is taking another med along with the prednisone which is to help weine him from the pred...any other suggestions for my dear husband... he has thought about homapatic (spelling ??) therapy... what do you think?? does insurance cover that?? thanks... will be waiting to hear... the wife of Wayne
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elke (Portland, Or) on 10/01/2014
Amazing that this would work. I will give it a try.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Civano (Seattle, WA) on 08/13/2014
I take 1 Tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water in the morning and again around 3 PM every day for Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nancie (Escondido, Ca Usa) on 07/25/2014
How much apple cider vinegar do I take and how often for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Ayurvedic Byna
Posted by Robert Seals (Santa Cruz, Ca) on 05/09/2014
★★★★★
I have found a ayurvedic med from India that completely relieves PMR symptoms it is called BYNA. The ingredients check out as herbal but it acts like a steroid, I am looking for a lab to check it out. This med could be a miracle, Robert
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Civano (Seattle, Wa) on 03/26/2014
★★★★★
Was having trouble weaning off of Prednisone until I started drinking a glass of water with 1 Tbs of ACV each morning. I have cut the Prednisone from 30mg per day to 5 with no pain so far.
7-Keto-DHEA
Posted by Ray Schilling, Md (Kelowna, Bc, Canada) on 12/23/2013
★★★★★
7-keto DHEA is supporting the immune system. It is often very low in patients with autoimmune diseases including polymyalgia rheumatica. Your doctor could order DHEAS, which is the storage form of DHEA circulating in the blood. If it is low, I agree that 7-keto DHEA is the one to take, start with 25 mg and slowly increase to not more than 100 mg once per day depending on your symptoms. Also take higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids (molecularly distilled or pharmaceutical grade, the more expensive one, has 400 mg of EPA and 200 mg of DHA in one capsule). Take 3 capsules in the morning and three at night. Add to this 500 mg of curcumin per day. I am also very suspicious of an underlying wheat allergy (gliadin and gluten), which likely means you should refrain from sugar and wheat products. Read this blog I wrote:
http://www.askdrray.com/our-endangered-food/
Polymyalgia is another one of the inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Conventional medicine (before 2008 I belonged to that group) does not want to go there, but has not better answers than corticosteroids or methotrexate, both very strong and dangerous substances. Now I am retired and I can freely talk my mind; I am now interested in non-toxic methods of treatment as it is used by anti-aging medicine. One caveat: 10 to 15 % of patient with polymyalgia rheumatica develop giant cell arteritis in the temporal artery, which can lead to blindness. Your primary care physician can discuss this with you further.
7-Keto-DHEA
Posted by Seadragoness (Lakewood, Ca) on 10/25/2013
Thank you for your post. I was just diagnosed with polymyalgia yesterday 10-24-13 1 day after my 51st birthday! Im not sure about the rheumatica part yet but it looks that way. They are sending me to see a specialist. I do not want to take steroids. And since I am at the menopausal stage most likely I can replace the steroids more naturally or try what you suggested I have no idea what dhea is but I will research it. I guess I have alot of researching to do. Contact me anytime. Thanks
Garlic
Posted by Helen (Canada) on 10/06/2013
★★★★★
Polymyalgia: Hello, I had PMR, and got rid of it.
My DNA is from Northern European stock. In 2007 I started losing weight, was in extreme pain, couldn't sleep and was diagnosed with rheumatic. My blood specialist wanted me to take prednisone for 2 years, I took it for about one month saw a hurbalist who said she could get me walking I lived on pain killers, boiled roots and bark herbs and had acupuncture for the pain. Still no avail. Someone mentioned garlic and I remembered that my mother used a lot of raw garlic. A clerk at a health store helped me find out how much organic odorless garlic my body weight could tolerate. Nine months later my blood specialist said I didn't have to come back and I that garlic was wonderful.
It has been 6 years and I am still PMR free.
7-Keto-DHEA
Posted by Jane (Burdenham, Somerset, Uk) on 06/16/2013
★★★★★
Hi to all, I have been researching PMR as I think my mum will be diagnosed after her blood tests. I am an autoimmune sufferer with B12 deficiency and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I have been using 7 keto DHEA for a few years now though in the beginning I used straight DHEA. Yesterday I researched medical papers on the use of either of these as a treatment for PMR, as far back as 2000 I found that this had been researched with positive results. DHEA is a mother hormone for oestrogen and testosterone and 7 keto is a sulphate of DHEA which doesn't convert into either of these hormones, these are our bodies natural steroids. As you see PMR mostly in older people especially women or women who are peri-menopausal or post menopausal, then it is a logical asumption that the loss of hormones have an involvment in PMR. Men do not suffer to the same extent hormonally as women do which would explain why the majority of people who suffer are women. I use 7 keto for two reasons one is that it boosts T3 thyroid conversion two it is a very powerful immune support. There is a lot on the net re both of these products, it is worth thinking about. I wish you all well Jane x
Flu Vaccines and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Neralie (Toowoomba, Australia) on 05/28/2013
I have had PMR for just over two years and it is slowly starting to ease off at long last. I now take 3 and 2.5 mg Prednisone alternately. It is harder to lower the dose as it gets down because you have to do it so slowly. I developed my symptoms two days after my flu vaccine. My doctor thinks the vaccine is definitely the culprit and says I am never to have another vaccine. I also take Rehmannia Complex, a herbal tablet that has definitely helped, but other than that, you just have to be patient. There is some great information on PMR on the patient.co.uk site that has helped me.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Tulip (Willmar, Mn) on 05/27/2013
Tell your friend with PMR to see a Homeopath. A friend of mine had great success from a homeopathic remedy.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, SC) on 05/27/2013
In response to Jimmy and others who refer to the onset of PMR after vaccines, this just so sounds like an infection doesn't it?
I am an advocate on this wonderful web site for colloidal silver for killing virus, bacterial and fungal infections. Other things work to kill such infections such as echinacia which I love, especially for bites (use topically and take drops in water internally for a bad bite from spider) but silver solution will work better for a system wide infection.
I use a high ppm and take orally 2 to 3 teaspoons daily on empty stomach. For a really bad infection take over a six month period.
In determining if the "problem" say PMR which sounds at first not to be viral but actually may be based on virus/bacteria/ or fungus or yeast, I have found if one goes back to the inception of the onset, one might often come across some infection, surgical procedure, dental work etc, ever so slight... Well like vaccines mentioned in the posts above... and such might be the locus of the attack by the microbes.
So if I SUSPECT that virus/bacteria/yeast (mold, fungus, parasite) could be involved, even as a trigger, then at least try a strong ppm of silver solution. Use of silver goes back 2, 000 years to the time of the Greeks.
I have been on high doses of silver for nearly 20 years and make my own and give away bottles and bottles every year to friends and family.
I have never seen any issue with silver usage with side effects (eg skin tinting) ... not with liquid silver solution made with the electrical process where a solution is made so diluted that you cannot even detect a metalic taste in the water.
Acupuncture, Dietary Changes
Posted by Jimmyeatsworld (Weymouth, Ma, Usa) on 05/26/2013
In response to Jamie of Lake Worth "see your doctor, don't trust the internet". My mother suffers from PMR. The steroids have brought her relief but now she is dealing with the TERRIBLE side effects. Too many to list. What i've learned is, do not trust your doctor for treatment of most chronic disorders. Out of the eight years that they attend medical school they spend about 40 hours studying nutrition. Doctors mean well but in this age of corporate fascism they are governed by the restricions put on them by big pharma and the politicians whose pockets they grease. Compartmentalized to a streamline of disinformation. "If the solution is not a mega-profitable pill, shun it" is the standard dialogue in the medical field. I cured myself from what they said was an incurable virus that would kill me using natural cures that I learned about on the internet. God gave us ready made remedies for everything. Many can be found in your backyard, local forests and farms. It worked for the Indians and Chinese for thousands of years. But in the age of The Almighty Dollar...... Things have changed.
For starters, I would recommend staying away from vaccines, municipal tap water, processed foods and plastic containers with Bisphenol-A. I do this to the best of my ability. I have not had a vaccine, not even a tetanus shot, since 1996. I virtually never get sick! If I do its a mild cold that is short lived. I am embarking on this journey to find relief for my mother from PMR and the steroid side effects which are effecting her badly. This is a great forum with a lot of useful info. Thanks to all.
Turmeric, Ginger
Posted by Marguerite (Plymouth , Devon, Uk) on 04/17/2013
I have suffered from polymyalga reumatica for nearly 2 years with no sign of it clearing up. I found this website today and saw the feedback on turmeric and ginger so I thought I'd give it a try.
I was just about to order capsules on line when I thought of my spices for my favourite Moroccan food. I have just finished my first warm milk with the turmeric and ginger added and was quite surprised that it was pleasant to drink. I will keep you posted on how I feel and if I notice any difference in the next few weeks.
Flu Vaccine and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Posted by Sela (Covington, La) on 11/29/2012
I can't explain how relieved I am to find out I'm not the only PMR "victim" and that I'm also not the only one on the miracle drug prednisone. I hate this drug but I love it. I was diagnosed recently while in the hospital for pneumonia. I have been ill for two years and had no clue why. I'm 49 and have read that's extremely young to get this. The pain was so bad I cried. Was on narcotic pain meds for a YEAR until I was put in the hospital for pneumonia last march and was put on preds 40 mg. I recently started to get off them myself because the doctor would never take me off unless I spent 280 dollars to come see him and take a pulmonary function test, something I did not have the money for. I have read that the addeno (sp?) virus can sometimes cause PMR but there's that pesky question now popping up in my mind about the flu shot I had last year. Hmm. Anyway, thanks so much all of you. I now have some paths to try.
Glutathione Accelator
Posted by Hilda (Airdrie, Alberta/canada) on 07/23/2012
★★★★★
I have had PMR for a year and half now and was offered Prednizone which I refused. However I have been coping by using a glutathione accelerator which is an anti-inflammatory that gets to the cellular level. A doctor told me that he is amazed that I am not taking Prednizone!
