Severe Rib and Buttock pain.

[Attic]

I have had PMR for a year exactly now and am down from 20mg of Prednisolone to 7mg, which I will stay on for a month.

I have developed severe debilitating Buttock pain on right hand side and horrendous Rib pain on the right hand side too. It is so bad that I can't take a deep breath or even laugh. It fees as if my Ribs are moving.

My GP just raises his eyes to Heaven and gives me Painkillers.

Any suggestions please.

Jen.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Find a Bowen therapist - I'm serious, they are likely to be far more use than a GP who rolls their eyes (wouldn't do THAT twice to me) and hands you paracetamol.

Something that can often happen alongside PMR is myofascial pain syndrome. Trigger points which are concentrations of cytokines (inflammatory substances which also cause the pain and stiffness in PMR) develop in pairs alongside the spine: in the shoulders, about rib height and in the low back where your dimples are. This leads to muscle tightness, even spasm, and nerves can be trapped and pinched which causes referred pain into the arms, ribs and legs depending on the position. For low back and buttock another possibility is piriformis syndrome.

Google them for more info - but both can be helped a lot by a few sessions of Bowen therapy, something that has been discussed a lot on the forums. You don't need to persuade a doctor to prescribe it, it is very gentle and ideal for PMR patients. If it is going to help you will know within 3 sessions so it isn't an open-ended commitment that is a bottomless pit for money.

I'm sure others will be along to recount their experiences with it - it really is worth a try.

[jinasc]

I was sceptical and only wished, when I eventually tried Bowen to shut up a very good friend ( yes that friend is PMRpro). I should have listened to her much earlier.

I gave Bowen a whirl, went for first treatment with a walking stick, (we could not get simmer frame in the car) walked out 1 hour later and forgot walking stick. Best money I ever spent.

You will know after the three one hour sessions done three consecutive weeks whether it will work for you. The practioners are not after your money like others who shall be nameless.

I still go for a booster session about every six months or when I feel the need.

Try it.

[StormyMc]

I have this also. Two years and counting. No one seems to be able to diagnose and treat me. Horrible pain 24/7. CT scan a year ago showed chronic rib injury. Can't sit, lay or stand. It's unbearable.

Does the Prednisone help?