PMR on top of Heart Failure

[Heartinthehills]

Just recovering after developing Polymyalgia Reumatica which has set me back on managing my heart failure symptoms. PMR is an autoimmune condition with inflammation of some key muscle groups that immobilised me and caused a lot of joint and muscle pain. No known causes and it can come on quickly in over 70's. Now on a course of corticosteroid as well as my heart medication. It took quite a few weeks and two sets of blood tests to diagnose PMR and I was unable to exercise, fairly ceased up arms, shoulders and legs and in a lot of continuous pain. Steroids cleared the PMR symptoms within 4 days of starting and it would have been a lot less of an issue if it had been diagnosed sooner. Outcome is that I have lost some muscle bulk and breathlessness, caused by LVSD and low EF, went back to how it was 10 years ago after my incident. It is taking a lot of effort to reduce the breathlessness and start exercising again to the level I had previously managed. There are 2 blood tests to quickly identify PMR which measure ESR & CRP levels. Posting this so others who develop similar symptoms can ask for these two test straight away and avoid the setbacks caused by any delay in treating it. I still need to come down in steps from the initial steroid dose and this takes some time.

[Rachmaninov2]

A very thoughtful post Heartinthehills. Sorry you have issues with your heart and also PMR. I was diagnosed with PMR and Inflammatory Arthritis three years ago and I had a heart attack and stent fitted a couple of months ago. I am struggling to exercise due to mobility problems. Have you joined the PMRGCAuk forum yet? It’s a great forum, with a lot of information and advice, essential for anyone with PMR or GCA. Wishing you all the best. 👍

[Heartinthehills in reply to Rachmaninov2]

Hi Rachmaninov and thank you for your comment on my post. Apologise for a delay in responding. I will have a look at the PMRGCA uk forum. I am now 8 weeks into taking Prednisolone and on a second reduction in dose and with all the PMR symptoms now subsided. Hoping that coming off the tablets in due course will work for me with no further complications. I managed to self refer for some Physiotherapy which started at the same time as taking the tablets. They gave me a set of exercises specific to the muscle groups bothering me mainly stretching and warm up followed by isometric exercise and all this seemed to help as well. After my incident 10 years ago and follow up cardiac rehab I learnt to keep at it with exercise. I am doing this again fortunately with no permanent arthritic issues and gradually getting back to the levels of exercise I could manage before PMR. I would recommend regular exercise whatever you can manage to help recover from your heart attack.

[Rachmaninov2 in reply to Heartinthehills]

Hello Heartinthehills. I’m glad you are managing so well, long may it continue. It’s good to read a positive and encouraging message.