Contemplating connection or coincidence

[ShirleyAb]

I was diagnosed with PMR in September 2017. Started on 15 mg. Prednisolone. After ups and downs am now on 3 mg. Six weeks ago I had a total replacement shoulder which went well. Ten days ago our 21 year old granddaughter who is at University and is an enthusiastic Climber, fell/slipped/rolled fifty metres down a mountain - two cracked ribs, crushed vertebra and leg injury and swollen jaw. She is expected to recover, but it will take a long time. We are shocked, yet euphoric that she is alive. Oddly, since this event, my PMR is much better. Connection or coincidence? Puzzled!

[Marilyn1959]

That's odd. I would have expected PMR to be worse since your grandchild's accident no doubt is 'stressful' for you and stress is a trigger for PMR. Perhaps it is mind over matter working in that your mind says her pain is worse than mine?

[ShirleyAb in reply to Marilyn1959]

Thank you, that is what I thought too - very odd!

[Hidden]

Hello Shirley

So sorry to hear about your granddaughter & l hope she makes a full recovery as soon as possible.

I’m afraid l don’t have any scientific evidence as to why you your PMR feels better other than perhaps your Adrenal Glands were already waking up & this awful shock made them spring into action.

Take it easy as it may catch up with you when you least expect it, so continue your reduction very slowly.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ditto mrsN!

[ShirleyAb in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes, I will be prepared for a catch-up from PMR later.

Gemma is doing well - she is in a spinal brace, using elbow crutches and a wheelchair, and smiling!

[Hidden in reply to ShirleyAb]

That’s good news Shirley, Good Wishes for her Recovery 🌷🌷🌷

[Hidden]

Wow. That's some few weeks. I am glad your shoulder and your granddaughter will recover. Often the distraction if something so serious can make us "forget" about things that previously dominated our lives. It may mean that your adrenals are starting to kick in and are supporting you (no scientific basis for that comment). While you feel ok that's good. My experience of caring about someone who has gone through such an accident and/or injury is that once things settle you can crash a bit yourself. Even when healthy. That adrenalin rush ending can leave you a bit down. So just keep an eye on yourself as well as your granddaughter. Hopefully you will both get through these ordeals pretty soon.🌻

[ShirleyAb in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - what wonderful advice and encouragement we get from this forum, I would have found the last two years much more difficult without it.

[Hidden in reply to ShirleyAb]

Absolutely. Was a life saver for me in first year.

[SheffieldJane]

I wonder if the sheer adrenaline from this experience has zapped the PMR. I am so glad that your precious granddaughter will mend.

Being near my grandchildren always makes me feel stronger.

Perhaps your ailing shoulder was the source of PMR?

Proper science is available.

[ShirleyAb in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you. In my original Post I quite forgot to pay tribute to the Mountain Rescue Teams (& helicopter) - a complicated two hour rescue, without which the outcome would have been very different. Her friend severed a finger, but hopefully it will be alright after micro-surgery to reattach it.

Both now out of hospital.

[Hidden in reply to ShirleyAb]

It's amazing work the mountain rescue do. All by volunteers too.

[SheffieldJane in reply to ShirleyAb]

Thanks to everything that is good Shirley. Total, Respect to those mountain rescuers!

[Estellemac in reply to ShirleyAb]

That is wonderful happy news to know they are on the mend. I think it’s amazing what NHS can do in these situations and Mountain Rescue should get more recognition as an emergency service. They are truly amazing. Same goes for Helicopter Ambulances.

I read this and think how much my condition is more an annoyance and inconvenience.

I hope you continue to feel well for a long time to come.

[ShirleyAb in reply to Estellemac]

Thank you Estellemac. It was a tricky rescue taking two hours. What skill and dedication. Hope all goes well with you.

[SnazzyD]

Gosh what a worry, I hope she mends quickly!

Whilst I agree with what’s been said I would say surf on the wave of relief, endorphins and adrenaline with caution. It’s great when you need it but often the slump comes after the crisis so keep up the self TLC and don’t over do it.

[ShirleyAb in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you. So far she is doing well. Warning about adrenaline slump is valuable.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Shirley,

As others have said, sorry to hear about your granddaughter- I wish her a full and quick recovery. And agree that extra adrenaline may be getting you through things at the moment so do be aware you may stutter in future - hope not.

But I would also say that some of what you thought was PMR previously may have been your shoulder causing problems - mine certainly caused me problems at low doses of Pred (having had GCA by low I mean below 15mg).

It’s looks as if I will be going down the route of a shoulder replacement, so I would be interested in any advice you can give when your granddaughter is on the mend and you feel in a position to do so.

Take care.

[ShirleyAb in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Sorry to hear that you may have to have a shoulder replacement, but I hope my experience will give you encouragement. It was far far easier than I was expecting. Two nights in hospital, and sling for six weeks. The sling could come on and off for dressing. Dressing was tricky to begin with (still slow!) - I found loose baggy jerseys worked for me, also front-fastening bra. Range of movement still improving and comfortable - if shoulder gets tired I put the sling on again for a while. Pre-operation, sleep was disturbed by pain when I turned over, but now sleep is brilliant. My very best wishes to you, and also thanks for all the excellent advice and knowledge I have found here from all you wonderful people.

[Jackoh]

Such a lot to happen in such a short space of time. I don’t have any words of wisdom except to comment that when there was a lot going on with my eyes and neuropathy pain, PMR and GCA seemed to take second place somehow. All best wishes for your recovery and your granddaughter. X

[ShirleyAb in reply to Jackoh]

Thank you Jackoh. It is amazing how priorities can be upturned! One of the good things about this forum is realising that there are others sharing in PMR annoyances, and coping well, many with greater difficulties.