Saw private consultant, not convinced I have PMR, but on 15mg of Prednisolone for 7 days to see if it relieves symptoms, any comments?

despite explaining I have extreme stiffness in pelvic area, and shoulders, so much so I can't wipe my bum, without pulling muscles in my side (pain lasted 7 weeks).

I can't bend forward, back, sideways. It is worse when I get out of bed in morning, but lasts all day. get stiff sitting for too long. Back hurts standing in one place for too long, for walking for too long.

I do have osteoarthritis of neck and lower lumbar spine, but osteo consult didn't think chronic pain I had last year for 3 months was caused by that. Now consultant Rheumy, suggests it is probably the osteoarthritis!!!! He has given me 15mg Prednisolone for 7 days and says if it relieved my symptoms in a few days then it would prove I had PMR. Don't know what to think. Feel quite depressed, as been in pain 7 weeks this time and can't do normal activities. I am seeing NHS rheumy 14 Feb, near me in Ashford, so I will start Prednisolone on my 60th birthday the 7 Feb, so I have that week to see if it works!!!! All very stressful. What do people think?

would appreciate any advice. Thanks. Denise x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Denise,

Sorry to hear you’re feeling so down...but no wonder really.

Would say that your pain is a combination of OA and PMR. My OA has the same effect on my back as you!

I had GCA not PMR so all my pain was from shoulders up, so I know the lower back was/is OA not GCA.

Hopefully a week at 15mg should improve things, and prove whether it’s PMR. I’m assuming no other painkillers help that including those prescribed for OA.

Please keep us updated on progress! And try not to stress - if it is PMR then that just makes it work (easy to say I know!)

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I have issues with shoulders too, but complicated as left one has thickened tendons and a bursitis. I don't have pain in my back at present, just side from twisting! The last time I has chronic/daily in pain for 3 months was around my iliac crest and hip areas. I don't have OA in my hips or knees. No, painkillers and anti inflammatory don't really help. I must be patient. I will let you know how it goes, when I start the prednisolone. It's very confusing, makes you feel like you are making a fuss over nothing, when your not. Always feel tired too. Have hypothyroidism, take tabs, so it's not that. Just want my life back.

will update you when I have taken pred.

Thanks again. Denise x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Have you been told to wait until 7th Feb to take pred? If not I would take straightaway and if by end of week your pain reduces then get another prescription. At least it's two weeks but that's more time to be in pain. Obviously ignore if that's drs plan.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Thanks. I was my plan, as I won't see nhs rheumy til 14 Feb, so thought if I left it to 7 Feb, I could get new prescription from him on 14th. My GP had refused to put me on it, prior to seeing rheumy! Just worried, I start on it, and if it works, have a week without it, before seeing new rheumy. So, I can start tomorrow, if you think it makes more sense. Thanks. Denise x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If you only take for a week then it won't hurt you if you have to wait until you see regime for repeat if it works. Some people need higher dose for longer to get relief but I knew pred worked within hours at 15mg. If you run out you will be where you are now and if they work and reduce pain and d stiffness you have good argument for Dr to represvribe. lgood luck!! 🌻

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

You have seen a rheumy - you wouldn't have the pred otherwise.

[Hollyseden]

Poopadoop That's what I was thinking too. Take the pred asap to see if it brings any relief....unless doctor has said otherwise.

[SheffieldJane]

I think your symptoms sound very familiar for PMR and I sincerely hope that you experience the miraculous relief that is the Prednisalone gift. Courage!

[Hidden in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes. In one way I hope it does, but want the correct diagnosis, as steroids are serious meds to be on. I just want answers to why I am so stiff and get pain. It really restricts my life. Only 60 next Wed. shouldn't be this stiff!! Think I may start it tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks again.

Denise x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes I was 55. Felt 90!

[Ponywoman in reply to Hidden]

I was 25 when I woke up screaming with sudden joint pain-- in February 1972! RA never left me, crippled me, but I lived a very full, wonderful life with my pets & horses on our farm. I sold the horses I bred, the World over. In the past year+ Vasculitis, PMR,GCA are ALL trying to get me down. I'm still fighting... some days I even think I'm winning! P.S. possibly the best friend I ever had was Prednisone (here in the U.S.) Ponywoman

[Katrinaroper]

If it works you could be pain free in days...do it now

[PMRpro Ambassador]

And PMR, together with the slightly related and commonly found with PMR myofascial pain syndrome, has the same effect on MY back that you report. My low back pain is entirely PMR and myofascial pain syndrome causing spasmed muscles - the physio can work on them and stop the low back pain so it CAN'T be OA. Only a couple of doctors have recognised the role of muscle problems in my chronic pain, one of them the pain consultant I saw here at the local hospital - and she was the first to work on the muscles and sort them out.

As the others say- I'd be taking that pred NOW. If it works as it did for me you will have at least a better week and you can ask your GP for more. Unless you want to indulge in the other criterion Quick and Kirwan mention: PMR will respond characteristically to a moderate 15mg trial of pred and the symptoms will return in a similar time frame on stopping the pred:

rcpe.ac.uk/sites/default/fi...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Makes sense. I will start it tomorrow and see what happens. Trial and error I suppose. I'm a bit scarred though as want an answer to the extreme stiffness and different pain, mainly in pelvis area and above buttocks really and shoulders sometimes and the recent rib cage pain.

Yes. I must be brave and try it. Thanks again. Denise x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

If the pred works - you will have your answer.