Trochanteric Bursitis with PMR

[Robinre]

Hi,as if I didn't have enough problems with my normal PMR related pains now I am having incredible pain in the bursa of the Trochanteric muscle (I think that is how to describe it). I have had this before I was diagnosed with PMR (actually one whole year before) and was given an injection in the emergency room and I was fine until now (4 years later) with that type of pain. Now that I am having a PMR flare this pain has reared its ugly head again. I am wondering if I need to have my Prednisone increased or just call my doctor and get the injection again? Anyone have something similar. Just curious. Robin

[Lizzery]

Hi, ive had PMR since November 2010 and have had the ups and downs as most of us have had. I began to have trochanteric bursitis last year, and in January mentioned this at my rheumy appointment, and saying I was reluctant to decrease my steroids because of it. Before I knew what was happening I was having an injection, and I have to say after a few days of pain and stiffness it was remarkable. I haven't had any problems since and have been able to reduce the steroids very slowly since.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Trochanteric bursitis is part of PMR, Higher doses of pred may eventually improve it - it did for me but took several months after I started with 15mg. It has recurred a couple of times as part of a flare since I came to live in Italy and here I have been given steroid injections. They are just into the soft tissue over the hip bone, not guided ones into the joint, so my rheumy-trained GP does them. They work within days - the bursae don't have a good blood supply to the oral route is slow and needs a lot of pred. Injections are targeted to the area it is needed so work better without increasing the oral dose.

[Ladybird25 in reply to PMRpro]

I have trochanteric bursitis, diagnosed by ultrasound, but my rheumy doesn't seem particularly bothered... One of the reasons I have asked my GP for a referral to another rheumy.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ladybird25]

Does it hurt? Then he should be worried - alright for him, it isn't his pain.

[Ladybird25 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes it hurts, especially when I lie on either of my hips at night. I've asked my GP to refer me to Dr Hughes, so I'm hoping for better support.

I hope all is going well with your husband's treatment - it's not an easy time. Thinking of you both!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ladybird25]

3 down - 38 to go

[Ladybird25 in reply to PMRpro]

Has he got transport, or are you having to drive?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ladybird25]

We have driven this week - he could have transport but since however you look at it it can't be done in under 4 hours door to door (1 1/4 hours each way under good traffic conditions plus at least 1/2 hour there) we have booked a longterm pitch on a campsite about 30 mins from the unit and will take our campervan and car down on Sunday and stay there. He'll be finished by 10.30am at the latest and then we have the rest of the day to do holiday-type things in an area we know but haven't really explored yet. The weather is changing this weekend (snow down to 2000m has been mentioned!) but will be back to dry and sunny there by Monday, 24C in the afternoons, which will be far nicer than here where temps will have fallen from 27C in the afternoons to 17C! I was a bit worried - it has been 32C+ there and over 20C overnight but summer is now at an end, autumn tomorrow!

[Ladybird25 in reply to PMRpro]

What an excellent solution to a difficult situation, and as you say, you can explore the area; and once you have got the treatment over and done with for the day, feel like you are on holiday. I hope the weather stays fine for you without the hot summer temperatures!

[9lives]

Hi I live midway but generally go to Winchester, although I have not seen rhummy there.

I paid privately to see a Professor Edwards, at the Nuffield hospital in Chandler ford, a colleague of mine recommended him, as she also has PMR.

He was excellent . I believe he also has his own clinic under the NHS.

Good luck

Carole x

[Rugger]

I developed bursitis in both hips and shoulder joints this summer. It was such different pain from the PMR muscle symptoms that I didn't consider it as a flare of the PMR. However, that was what was diagnosed by my GP and rheumatologist. I increased my pred from 4mg to 10mg and 2 months later, the joints are 95% improved. My rheumy said she would arrange injections into the joints if they were not better when I see her in 2 weeks' time. I'm sure I don't need that and can now start tapering again! She said the injections can weaken the tendons and muscles in the joints......!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

Which is why they limit the number you can have over a period of time. But I've only even had 2 episodes that I got injections for - no problems and bursitis all gone

[Hirwaen]

I have had diagnosed PMR since March but have had trochanteric bursitis injected with steroids 3 times over the last 2 years. I really feel that the PMR has been present for a long time before 'official' diagnosis. I also had 3 episodes of visual disturbance which have never been adequately explained. This is a funny old condition!!!!!!!

[Robinre in reply to Hirwaen]

Were you tested for GCA Giant Cell Arteritis? 35% of people with PMR develop this condition which affects eye sight Very dangerous. Ask your doctor about this condition.

[Hirwaen]

My GP knows about the eye problem which happened before diagnosis and hasn't recurred so I am alert to any sign of it coming back. All my symptoms seem to be under control with 12.5 mgs and I am slowly reducing.I have no other symptoms of GCA so 'fingers crossed' !!!

[christine2715]

Bursitis seems to be a common problem, I have read several members mention this. I find being extra careful about not sitting on hard surfaces for a time helps

[Sandradsn]

I was diagnosed with Bursitis of the hip,it was so painful in bed and also when walking.My GP sent me for physio which didn't really help.After about 3months my husband tripped and fell into me and I ended up on crutches with a ruptured tendon in my calf.Two weeks later my hip improved and has been so much better since.

I have lost weight and that has really helped.