Pylomyalgiarheumatica

[Shandon1]

The clue is in the name. Probably better to be seen by a rheumatologist rather than a neurologist. Any opinions please?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You mean polymyalgia? The standard procedure throughout most of the world is referral to a rheumatologist, it is not really a neurology problem - not nerves at all. It is a vasculitis which causes rheumatic or arthritic symptoms and rheumatologists include vasculitis in their remit. 

In some countries you might be sent to a neurologist or an ophthalmologist if you had symptoms of giant cell arteritis - which can affect the eyes because of damage to the optic nerve due to poor blood flow - and the two illnesses are almost certainly very closely related.

[Shandon1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. After many tests with the neurologist hope now to be heading to rheumatologist. 

[maria40]

I have GCA and have had far better treatment and advice from a neurologist then any of the rheumatologists I have seen in 16 years.

[Nurseblossom71]

I have had PMR for a no of years. I have recently had a flare up and prescribed prednisone 15 mgms for 2 wks. After a week I reduced to 10 mgms and will reduce again tomorrow to7 half mgms. If pain returns I will adjust the dose myself. I am a retired nurse and my GPs have been fantastic. Although my ESR was 60+ it is only the patient that knows what pain they are in, the test being a guideline. My advice would be to learn how the steroids work and you are then in the driving seat

[Doralouise77]

I was under the care of a wonderful rheumatologist for my PMR but when diagnosed with GCA she referred me to a neurologist.   Doesn't make sense to me, it's not a neurology problem and this particular one has been no help whatsoever.   It's been my experience too that they know nothing about long term Prednisone and safe tapering.  I've expressed my disappointment to the rheumatologist but she says she has referred my care.  Still trying to understand it.  So, I am managing self care at the moment.