Fibro or Polymyalgia

[Dogs4me62]

Hi everyone and happy Easter

This is my first post and I am not yet diagnosed. My GP thinks I have fibromyalgia but cannot rule out polymyalgia as my inflammation markers are slightly elevated. She sent me to a rheumatology clinic and they said that what I was saying screamed fibro but they cannot rule out polymyalgia. They have both suggested a trial of steroids to see if it responds and if so it is either poly or both poly and fibre but I am terrified of steroids.

Was anyone in a similar position when they were at the diagnosis stage? Really don't want to be reliant on steroids but don't wantnton feel like this

Does anyone know how long I could take the steroids to test the diagnosis without becoming dependant on them?

Sorry if I am asking this in the wrong place.

Many thanks

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Steroids are the usual treatment for polymyalgia and my undertaken is that it is a very effective treatment. If it is fibromyalgia, steroids are unlikely to make any difference.

[Dogs4me62 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thank you

[Africanmonkey]

Sorry for the worrying but try not to, I know it's hard not to thou. I had steroids but they didn't work for me.

[Dogs4me62 in reply to Africanmonkey]

Thank you for your reply. Do you know how long I would need to take steroids to find out if they help? And would I be able to just stop or would I have to stop slowly?

Many thanks

[Africanmonkey in reply to Dogs4me62]

I was on for 6 months before we changed. But I still have nothing that really makes a difference

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

My understanding is that steroids will help with PMR in a couple of days.