Oh oh oh I'm on fire - day 8

[Anne-NRAS]

I have had to move my blog to tumblr.. the other site kept crashing!

gilbertsonsteroids.tumblr.com/

[piglette]

I am so sorry about the fire! A side effect of steroids is hot flushes, I used to look as if I had just been for a swim sometimes.

As you say another side effect of steroids is diabetes. It is a good idea to have blood tests regularly for this.

[Anne-NRAS in reply to piglette]

Hi Piglette, A nurse at work confirmed today that that's more than likely what it is - another day in paradise !! x

[piglette in reply to Anne-NRAS]

As they say PMR is life changing!!

[HeronNS in reply to Anne-NRAS]

Do everything you can to reduce consumption of refined carbs. My daughter (a registered dietitian) told me when my blood sugar got dangerously close to diabetic level from pred that I should always eat some protein whenever I had carbs. This is another of several significant side effects I had which has gone away since I've tapered to a lower dose. There is hope!

[CloudGazer6]

In case of help/interest:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Anne-NRAS in reply to CloudGazer6]

Thank you. I'm finding it hard!

[CloudGazer6 in reply to Anne-NRAS]

Don't worry - it is really hard especially when we have pain, feel miserable or tired. I've definitely found it easier to add in more veg and protein and have several smaller meals through the day.

[PiersC]

Interesting about the skiing - I had an un-alerted evacuation exercise at work, walked down 24 flights of stairs and over the next few weeks went from 'normal' to near bed-ridden and the start of my PMR. Funny how circumstances can lead you on a new (two year+) path.....

[Anne-NRAS in reply to PiersC]

Hi Piers, there is a major muscle that runs down the outside of your thighs, can't recall the name but this can be badly damaged by certain exercises and the trauma can bring on PMR!.. I have heard this twice now. Stairs are the biggest culprit and a lot of cyclists suffer with issues in this muscle.

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member in reply to Anne-NRAS]

Hi. I don't know of any evidence that trauma to the muscles can cause PMR. It's totally a new one on me. I think sometimes doctors will agree to almost any suggestion on the basis that if the patient thinks they know what caused it, the doctor might as well go along with it! But PMR is a systemic inflammatory illness caused by a dysfunction of the autoimmune system. The pain and discomfort is felt in the joints and the muscles, but that's not the locus of the problem.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Polywotsit]

I have seen some experts expressing the opinion that severe over-exertion can lead to final appearance of PMR symptoms - the underlying cause is there but having a hardly noticeable effect until a high level of activity leads to muscle pain which then doesn't resolve as you would normally expect.

[enen]

My GP thinks it was the flu which triggered my PMR

[Anne-NRAS in reply to enen]

Its interesting isn't it - I was discussing with a colleague at work if anyone has ever gathered personal experiences off sites like this about how things are triggered as I'm sure there is definitely value to be had!

[enen]

5 years ago I began to suffer with Trigeminal Neuralgia (extremely painful facial pain which is thankfully now in remission). Within 2 weeks of being diagnosed with that I was also diagnosed with GCA. I was treated by a Neurologist for my Trigeminal Neuralgia and his thoughts were that the TN triggered the GCA.

5 years later I contacted flu which I attended my GPs surgery and was told my temperature was so high I was unable to drive back home, bed for 48 hours and signed off work for 10 days.

Within days pains in arms and shoulders, blood tests and PMA diagnosed.

My GP thinks I will be prone to this condition i am 56 and work full time as a shift worker 6.00am starts midnight finishes on lates and night work 9pm to 9am.

[Woodiesmum in reply to enen]

That's in canny cos I have just had my diagnosis of GCA and PMR ,it has took a few years to get it and a number of awkward appointments with so called doctors ( they never listened to one word ,couldn't possibly be that cos I was too young ) yes we have heard that before. Well got am amazing rheumy who wanted me to tell him all about my symptoms and after a week on steroids ,wow no blurry vision ,no double vision. Pain hasn't gone altogether but what a difference already x he has been so surportive.

But my point is that my brother has that Trigeminal Neuralgia so I am now wondering actually if he also has GCA .I will have a chat when he gets home from a break. This needs to be looked into .