Polly myalgia rumatical.

[Jcdel]

HI all, I a newby to the forum. For almost a year I have been suffering from terrible ache's in my leg muscles and backside. After many visits to Dr and excessive blood tests (which showed all normal). The dr said it may be PMR and the only way to diagnose for sure is , taking steriods, if the pain goes, then it's PMR however , if the pain continues whilst on steroids then it's not PMR. Has anyone else had the same problem. I have not had any Meds yet as the Dr has said to think about it and come back when I have decided what I want to do. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I'm sorry you're having to be here but it is good your GP hasn't just seen your normal tests and told you to put up with it. From what I've read, many have PMR without abnormal bloods.

Other more experienced people will reply but I would say it is worth a go. A shortish course to find out should not be too much of an undertaking and improvmeant should be yours in a few days if you have it. Since there are no definitive tests for PMR and that Prednisolone is the only medication that reliably gets the inflammation under control, it may be the only thing that will give you an answer. However, I would say it'll be useful as long as your starting dose is sufficient. If it isn't, it'll appear not to be working and you'll get neither a diagnosis nor relief. I'll leave that bit for the experts to comment on.

[Jcdel in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for your advice it makes sense to try the Meds.

Have a good weekend.

[hedgehog8 in reply to Jcdel]

Without going into all tests had relative to possible PMR the most significant marker is your blood test, ESR, which should be < 30 ~ mine was 60. After meeting with Rheumatology Dr. ~ remember that PMR is a 4 point problem that is it effects shoulders arms as well as legs all 4. It was decided to first see what an inflamatory drug would do and 80mg injection of Depro-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate) was done and within 24 hours I can tell you I have virtualy no pain. As well 24 hours later another ESR was done as this was only the second test done for ESR and it was down to < 47 ~ this is an excellent result ~ You should understand that with all blood tests or any test it must be done more than once to see what has transpired ~ presently I am taking in addition to this twice a day is Co-Meloxicam 7.5mg as this is a NSAID anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis ~ we will see what happens here but I have a cuff and BP is taken each day and results will be forwarded to Rheum doctor just to make sure the NSAID is not causing BP to rise

[Rose54]

Hi

Welcome to this wonderful site

Always lots of helpful information

Your story is similar to lots of peoples experience

Try the Preds and if you respond then you can be almost sure its PMR

left untreated you may get to the stage like I was unable to get out of bed or even shower yourself not a nice place to be .

Just remember you may feel better but you do need to take care of yourself and rest let others do things for you .Hard I know but necessary

Rose

[Jcdel in reply to Rose54]

Thanks for your advice. I have decided to go back to the dr and give it a go.

[SheffieldJane]

Having had the miraculous relief from the pain and stiffness of PMR I would definitely recommend giving them a try. A fortnight ought to let you and your doctor know whether you are on the right track.

Welcome to this helpful, friendly site! Let us know how you get on. Best wishes. Jane

[Jcdel in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you , will give it a go and fingers crossed all goes well.

Have a good weekend.

[Sandy1947]

What’s to think about? Tell your doctor to give a prescription ASAP. Why should you suffer? It took me a while to feel better and my dose went from 10 to 25 before I got relief. If Pred doesn’t help you’ve lost nothing.

[Jcdel in reply to Sandy1947]

Thanks I have decided I will go to the dr and give it a go.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't strictly true - other things will respond to steroids too but it will be a start. You need to try a dose of not more than 20mg to start with - any higher will confuse the issue, 20-25mg is usually enough for PMR, not for other things. But if it is PMR the difference it will make will convince you I think.

[Perkey]

Hi I am going through same dilemma with my poor legs that hurt so much. I took a year to come off predict and don't want to take them again but I mustn't be silly because one dose of 15 mg relieves pain almost instantly. Am seeing anew Rheumi on Tuesday as I have only just moved to Newcastle and I don't know any doctors etc and they don't know me obviously so let's see what happens. It is so nice living near my daughter but oh dear I miss my lovely doctor and rheumi in Kent. Anyway sun out and I am sure many worse off than me. Best wishes to all fellow sufferers 😎

[Jcdel]

Hi all, I returned to my gp all ready to accept the steriods treatment. Saw a different Dr, explained why I was there and what the gp who I saw the previous week had said. Well disappointed is an under statement! ! The gp does not believe I have PMR. and offered me a gel to rube into my muscles. Has refered me to a rheumologist. When I questioned how 3 different Dr can diagnose 3 different diagnosis for the same symptoms, she was not happy with me. So back to square one.