Palindromic rheumatism

[rwl89t1967]

I have had symptoms of palindromic rheumatism for 7 years. It has come alongside a diagnosis of Wegeners vasculitis which I am being treated for. I see the rheumatologist a few times a year and severe, short lasting joint pain is always top of my symptom list. My rheumatologist never comments. So in the last few weeks I have done my own research and bingo, my symptoms fit 100% palindromic rheumatism. I feel frustrated that the rheumatologist has never identified it as this. I will ask at my next appointment but whatever she says I am convinced this is what it is. I just wanted to connect with people with PR, looking for tips or ideas as to what causes a flare. I went 3 years without a single joint pain, now it's back to normal with daily random pain.

[Happyrosie]

this is really interesting. I used to be a life assurance underwriter (so if you applied to my company for life assurance I would get a report from your doc and possibly ask for a medical examination) and in all the thousands of applications I saw over the years, about 25, I never came across this particular version of rheumatism, So it can’t be common! Which I’m sure you are already well aware of.

Which is possibly why (1) no-one has yet responded and (2) your medical team hasn’t mentioned it.

I did a bit of research online and can see nothing about how to prevent flare-ups, but if you contact one of the several charities which support those with arthritis in all its glorious forms you might get somewhere?

[rwl89t1967 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for responding Happyrosie.

[Theziggy]

Most rheumatologists aren't aware of Palindromic Rheumatism, it is quite niche. I had to research it and then educate my Rheumatologist

[Crossstitch1]

I am also convinced that I have it. My rheumy seems to ignore it when I mention it. My late uncle had it and is so far the only person I know who was diagnosed with it. I fit all the criteria but with no diagnosis.

[Portopetro]

Just seen these posts about palindromic rheumatism .

I have been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for the past two years very successfully with methotrexate but since being ill at Christmas I have had

flares every week especially in my shoulders and other parts of my body .

I notice the flares occur when I have done some every day tasks eg carrying bags chopping etc. I went to a new rheumatologist who straight away said she thought I had palindromic arthritis rather than rheumatoid arthritis as the pain was in all different parts of my body and I had little swelling . My hands don’t look arthritic even though I have had a lot of pain . She has suggested changing my meds and giving me a shot of Depomedrone which I am having this week but like you when I read about palindromic arthritis I think she could be right .

[Crossstitch1 in reply to Portopetro]

Hi....how did you get on with your new medication? Hope it is helping

[Portopetro]

It’s been 8 days since the injection and so far so good . Pain free and even contemplating going back to tennis !!

Thanks