Previous autoimmune conditions

[SouthHams]

Hi, I am new here having been diagnosed with PMR today (elevated inflammatory markers). In my early 40's I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis and treated with steroids, a long story but after 18 months I got better, and other than psoriasis have not had any problems since, up until recently that is. I was wondering if anyone else has suffered from other autoimmune conditions and if there is a tendency for PMR to be linked with other conditions (GCA aside). Thanks and any comments appreciated.

[Rose54]

Hi

Welcome to this great site

Autoimmune disorders usually go together

I expect if a pole was completed more than half would have at least one other Autoimmune illness .

We are a really lucky bunch maybe we shouldn't be so greedy

[AnnS]

Hi and welcome! I don't yet have a definite diagnosis of PMR/GCA but have a lot of the symptoms, high inflammatory blood markers and am currently taking Prednisolone while other tests are being carried out.

I have three other autoimmune diseases - Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Sjogren' Syndrome and Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. They are all quite horrible but none has been as debilitating as this current episode.

I'll leave it to the more knowledgeable amongst us to comment on whether there are known links.

[Labradorite]

I have recently completed prednisolone treatment for GCA, diagnosed at the end of 2015. Since 2005 I have had oral lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth. It hasn't bothered me too much and my dentist keeps a check on it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Once you have one autoimmune condition you are at a higher risk of developing another. Some people think that autoimmune disorders are just points on a broad spectrum. As the others say - lots of people have more than one.

You mention psoriasis - are they sure it is PMR and not psoriatric arthritis? It can present very similarly to PMR. My rheumy - like a lot of others I have heard of - was desperate to make the dx PsA. I assume polymyositis has been ruled out this time?

[Pollyanna16 in reply to PMRpro]

I have been wondering about psoriatic arthritis for some time as have had psoriasis for 50 years PMR for 7. How do they diagnose it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pollyanna16]

I think it is like PMR - a clinical diagnosis, based on the symptoms and history:

psoriasis.org/psoriatic-art...

It is an important factor - other drugs work better than pred.

[Pollyanna16 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro, I have not seen a consultant since diagnosis in 2011 have been managing the PMR with my GP & down to 4mg/4.5mg but struggling some days (we have had a trying time selling & moving house). Am thinking of changing to a GP closer to new home & is this an opportunity to discuss Psoriatic Artritis I am thinking? I will do some more reach on symptoms.

[whitefishbay]

Well I have hypothyroidism but sure lots of other PMRers have other autoimmune things.

[Carrollee]

Hi. Sorry about your diagnosis hope you get relief soon. 20yrs ago I had Graves disease, got rid of it in about 18months but was warned that as my body had autoimmuned once it was quite likely to do it again. I now have PMR and GCA so wasn't surprised. Have had ME for many many years also so who knows if that's all tied up. Happy days keep smiling Lv cc ☀️🤗☀️

[Rosedail]

Yes. I have had psoriasis since I was 13 years old. Had PMR from age 52 to 54. At 55, Post PMR, albeit much less pain, I have struggled with a continued lack of agility and something like bursitis my knees. My Rheumatologist is concerned the knees might be the onset of psoriatic arthritis, but I suspect it's PMR lingering "leftovers" I will know more in time. Seems like there may be no definitive tests for psoriatic arthritis and her diagnosis is a process of eliminating other causes...but Not 100% certain on that last point.

[Pollyanna16 in reply to Rosedail]

I have had Psoriasis for a similar time but PMR just isn't budging! Husband is encouraging me to see a consultant as he thinks more can be done. I dont think so unless the PMR diagnosis is incorrect. I have what I have been told is oesteoarthritis in both thumbs, different pain in both knees & one toe joint. My main problem however is often overtight tendons/muscles particularly in the Achilles at the moment. Hey ho!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pollyanna16]

I think I agree with your husband. Your achilles problems COULD be enthesis - which happens in PsA.

[Pollyanna16 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the article hopefully it will help me when I see the GP. Struggling on 4 so yesterday & today went up to 5 feeling better but pretty bushed after gardening this morning 🙄

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pollyanna16]

Er - PACING!!!!!!!!! The thought of gardening leaves me weak at the knees!

And at this level the poor adrenals have to start to work again!!!

[Pollyanna16 in reply to PMRpro]

I hadn’t thought about the adrenals as thought they would have caught up after 6 months reducing slowly to 4 or 4.5. Have “given” up the struggle & gone back up to 5mg as have 4 days in London & really fearful how I would get through it. Seeing the GP on Wednesday. Feeling quite a lot better hey ho. Thank you so much for your concern.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pollyanna16]

They don't fully catch up for as much as a year after totally getting off pred! You may be fine for ordinary tasks - but physical effort like gardening may just be that bit too much.

[Kath567]

I also was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a year ago. It was under control but then some inflammatory condition ? PMR/GCA hit me a month ago suddenly. Prednisone is not controlling it so now the doctor doesn't know what it is, not RA or lupus though.