PMR

[Sjhoney]

Hi, I’ve heard folk talking about PMR, what is it??

Ta 👍

[Frankiefocus]

PMR has nothing to do with "post menstrual rage".....😄

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder typically seen in older adults that causes widespread aching, stiffness and flu-like symptoms. It is more common in women than men, and is seen more often in Caucasians than any other race. The average age of onset is 70 years, and it is rarely seen in people younger than 50. PMR is a self-limiting condition, lasting from one to five years; however, it varies from person to person. Approximately 15 percent of people with PMR develop a potentially dangerous condition called giant cell arteritis (also known as temporal arteritis).

[Mollieharry]

Adding to what frankiefocus has said.it results from inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues,its normally bilateral,affects your hips,buttocks,upper arms and shoulders neck and thighs .it can come on slowly or really quick.other symptoms are fatigue and weight loss.symptoms rapidly improve with corticosteroids.

[Kazwilks in reply to Mollieharry]

Hi Mollie

That sounds exactly what I've got. Going to read up on it. Diagnosed with RA 6 years ago but have pain in hips, bottom of my back, shoulders etc. My GP said RA does not usually affect these joints so could be wear and tear of the joints. Going to Google it now thanks and take care

[Ruth12345]

Hi ive just reaf this thread. Can I chip in and ask how rheumy knows the difference between that and RD and also why does it go after 5 years?

[GranAmie in reply to Ruth12345]

i had PMR from '99 til abt 2013/14, anyway longer than 5yrs... first signs, squatting to pick strawberries and cdn't get up LOL. didn't laugh much tho'.. lost no weight as steroids gave me gr8t appetite. Anyway afaik blood tests don't show anything re PMR but if/when RA starts there may be inflammation [ESR, CRP tests] and you may [60 v40% i think] be +ve for rheumatoid disease.

I seem to recall PMR now called muscular rheumatism but lost the reference [HH?]. 2015 i developed RA but truxima has been fantastic

[Mollieharry]

Can’t really help you there with timeline.i just know from reading up that you take prednisalone and taper very very slowly.my gp thought I had pmr overlapping my ra as the pain I felt didn’t feel the same as my ra,it felt more like the muscles and burns.made my shoulders and arms feel really weak.had rhuemo appointment on Monday and he’s dismissed this saying it’s the ra that’s not being properly controlled with the dmards and he wants me to come of the steroids till he can assess the pain/inflammation to put me forward for biologics🙁suppose I have to go with what he says but in the last 4 wks of taking the steroids I’ve felt like my own self.no pain from day one, fatigue has lifted and got my appetite back.