Overnight

[Oldman-1]

Hi folks, I came across this site looking for all the answers to Polymyalgia which I now have and came quite literally overnight. I`ve tried steroids initially which had a very limited effect. Today, I`m waiting in a long line to see a consultant. Sleeping is bad. I`ve gone from being very agile to crippled in one fell swoop.

[Estellemac]

Hi in my limited experience of PMR I found steroids an instant fix. I was diagnosed January 2016. Started on 20mg Prednisone and after just 3 days noticed a significant improvement. I couldn’t sleep sit stand or be bothered to do anything. First thing I noticed about being ill was I lost 8 lb without trying. I couldn’t turn over in bed or pull up the duvet.

Perhaps you could consider it might be Fybromyalgia? Different conditions and symptoms unless that is of course your Dr has already made the diagnoses with blood tests?

[SnazzyD]

Hello,

What dose did you start with and for how long?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

If only we had all the answers! If you didn’t find the Pred much help, then either you weren’t given enough, or you don’t have PMR - most get a very quick response.

Hopefully you’ll get the answer soon, please let us know!

[Grants148]

Hi Oldman 1 ,you have my sympathy ,feeling so crippled and less agile ,it could be polymyalgia but this usually can be made much better with steroids,there are other conditions ,like fibromyalgia,which steroids are a lot less effective.I hope you will soon find out from your consultant the cause of your painful condition,please let us know how you get on.

[SheffieldJane]

Oh dear Oldman I wonder what ails you? PMR has one tried and tested drug Prednisone and if that is having no impact I would question PMR as a diagnosis. Good luck, I hope you get relief really soon. I was so much better after 48 hours 20 mgs each morning - not exactly a Spring lamb, but nearly.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are two options to steroids that don't work in presumed PMR : either the starting dose is not high enough (recommended starting dose is the lowest effective dose in the range 12.5 to 25mg, exceptionally 30mg) or it isn't actually PMR. And it doesn't always work immediately - in some patients it can take a couple of weeks or more.

Did you have raised inflammatory markers - ESR and CRP?

[Sandy1947]

It took a few weeks to get my bilateral pain under control. Pred was increased over time to 25 mg. Welcome to the club that helps ease the difficulties of adjusting to a new normal. Forum friends are amazing!