Hi. As a quick update I have been on steroids for PMR since Jan 2012. Up and down like a yo-yo over that time with flares, possible GCA which took me to the staggering heights of 60mgs Pred over 18months ago. Referred last year to rheumatologist who advised Methotrexate so I can reduce Pred and eventually come off it. In September 2017 I began to have serious lower back and hip pain along with the now familiar buttock and thigh stiffness. These symptoms had always been treated by my GP as a flare. Steroids would be increased, my symptoms would abate and back on the reduction etc etc. When I last saw my consultant she observed my stiffness and difficulty with mobility but was adamant that as my blood tests showed no increase in inflammation levels that my pain wasn’t related to PMR and I quote “ PMR doesn’t usually affect the lower back. It’s mainly neck and shoulders”.

I had x-rays to eliminate spinal fractures or other damage and apart from wear and tear(I am 68) nothing seriously wrong. Was advised to carry on with Methotrexate (15mg weekly) and to reduce steroids slowly until I was on 5mgs and to stay there until next appt.

My body aches. Walking, sitting, getting out of chairs etc etc is very painful. Thighs ache. But a new symptom. Painful joints in my hands and sometimes quite swollen. The pain in my back often feels like it is burning and the discomfort spreads up to my shoulders. Particularly when I am sitting at a slight bent angle while doing craft work like sewing.

I am waiting for an appt with the rheumatologist to report on my progress (ha!) and have got an appt with my GP in 10 days time ( earliest I could get).

So. If this is not PMR related what could it be. Codeine doesn’t have any effect on the pain nor do paracetamol.

Do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone? Any advice would be really welcome as I admit to having the odd cry now and then. Both in frustration and pain.

Many thanks for reading this 😘