You'd have been proud of me...

[Annodomini]

Today I went to see my GP for a routine check-up. She had a medical student with her and asked me to explain PMR to her which I did. Wouldn't it be a good thing if the medical profession were all prepared to listen to us and acknowledge that we gained expertise from the experience of PMR? My CRP had gone down and ESR had gone up. It's like a see-saw! Neither of them is at a seriously high level though and as she said, there could be another explanation. She agreed with me that, as I suspected, the biceps tendon is giving me trouble and wasn't helped by a little accident with a suitcase some weeks ago. I had gone down to 1.5mg of pred, but was feeling pretty bad last week so have gone back up to 2.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Oh well done Anno!

One medical student who will hopefully recognise PMR when a patient presents in her future career with the symptoms you have obviously described. Well done your GP too for taking the student-training seriously.

If my experience was anything to go by, and if you can find a physio who understands PMR and can give your arm some gentle massage, perhaps with heat, you will find that eases the pain. Meanwhile, I hope the slight increase back to 2mg will help.

[Annodomini]

Thanks Celtic. The GP will refer me to a physio if the pain persists.

[55grove]

Well done. Yes, let's get as much publicity as possible. I have just been away with a nurse and apart from not being able to get out of bed one morning without her help etc gave her a demonstration of trying to brush my hair and she was really shocked! The only long handled brush I can think of now is a lavertory brush! Well worth a smile....

[cynbil in reply to 55grove]

Hi 55grove. I am sorry to hear you are not well and the difficulty you have with doing your hair. Is there not an independant living where you live that can help you with adaptations to help you cope. I live just out side of birmingham and i have been offered adaptations to help me. Just a thought, take care Cynthia (Cynbil) x

[optimist-ok]

Its good to know useful information is being passed on, & from someone who really knows what the condition is like.

Do get help with the biceps tendon problem; mine completely ruptured unexpectantly almost a year & a half ago & is beyond repair but private physiotherapy has worked wonders. Still hoping to get some NHS help! Go carefully in the meantime, & good luck.

[Annodomini]

optimist, what a horrid injury. I don't think mine has ruptured, but it won't take much strain like carrying shopping bags. I am doing exercises to help my Achilles tendons which are swollen and painful - this does help, much to my surprise. Carry on pressurising the NHS!