I have constant pain in all of my joints. Docs can't diagnose and keep prescribing painkillers which make me constipated.iam male age 70

[bighibee1]

Is anybody else suffering similar and any advice, I get very little sleep.

[Hidden]

Hello BOB here

What is the diagnoses for your condition, and the medications that you are on??.

You are on a pain concern site, so can give support for pain, although I do not think I can help with so little information.

Can you give more information please, I sympathise for your pains

BOB .

[bighibee1 in reply to Hidden]

An orthopedic consultant said he thought it was PMR 2 blood tests say possible but docs won't commit. It runs in my family so I am puzzled.

[bighibee1 in reply to bighibee1]

Medication__-. Tramadol

[Hidden]

Hello BOB here

I understand that one of the main medications is the steriod prendisolone, this treatment will possibly last for several weeks and will possibly reduce the medication after that time when you settle, there will be certain contra indications that the doctor will keep an eye on. I understand that this condition will flare at different times.

Pain control can be given, you would possibly be better on an opiate, that would most probably stop the runs.

Blood tests will possibly be taken on a regular basis, I would imagine that Tramadol would be the best medication for pain The condition can possibly be treated with medications

Hope this helps, Keep in contact with the doctor regarding this, He will ease your way through it. We all get those little problems when we get older.

If you need any help or support you know where we are, excuse spelling.

BOB

[bighibee1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks bob

[missrat]

Hello. We do have a PMR group on here. I have probable atypical PMR. Have you had blood taken for ESR, CRP etc. If they are normal, it does not exclude PMR, and a further test is to give steroids, usually at a dose of 15mg to see if there is a response in a few days, which happens with the 'atypical' group. We are usually then referred to a rheumatologist for assessment.

Tramadol can certainly cause constipation. Your GP should be able to prescribe a mild laxative - usually Movicol or Fybogel, (so you get them free), but otherwise they are safe ones to get over the counter.

Good luck.

Ann x

[bighibee1 in reply to missrat]

Bloods show just over normal, they did try steroids for 12weeks 10mg for 3wks then dropping by 2.5 each time. When on 10mg huge improvement, but they don't want to give me any more steroids because I'm diabetic.

[missrat]

Hello. We do have a PMR group on here. I have probable atypical PMR. Have you had blood taken for ESR, CRP etc. If they are normal, it does not exclude PMR, and a further test is to give steroids, usually at a dose of 15mg to see if there is a response in a few days, which happens with the 'atypical' group. We are usually then referred to a rheumatologist for assessment.

Tramadol can certainly cause constipation. Your GP should be able to prescribe a mild laxative - usually Movicol or Fybogel, (so you get them free), but otherwise they are safe ones to get over the counter.

Good luck.

Ann x

[chriswinkle in reply to missrat]

Hi Bighibee 1,

Am so sorry to hear of your problems, I had PMR 4 years ago, it affected muscles & joints, was put on 30 mg Prednisolone, was told it would take up to two years to clear the problem, felt brilliant after 4 days, gradually reduced the steroids over 17 months and no probs since, but I can understand that because of your diabetes you cannot take them for so long. Have you tried a Pain Clinic, many folks on this site have been helped by them, but we are all so different.

Take care,

Chriswinkle x

[missrat]

Hi, I didn't say, but I'm also a diabetic. It's true that steroids can upset our diabetic control, but they are the keystone of PMR treatment, so it is usually considered better to have the steroids and monitor the diabetes, adding or increasing medication if necessary. It is considered another reason for seeing a rheumatology specialist, who may well add a steroid-sparing agent such as methotrexate or azathioprine to keep down the amount of steroids we need, Good luck.

Ann

[Hidden]

If you are constipated get MOVICOL. No side effects, very safe, works really well. Free on prescription (if you get free scripts) or OTC. No need to suffer.