PMR or arthritis or both?

[Casia]

Im at 2mg pred after getting to 1.5 for a few weeks when I was getting a bit of discomfort in one hip, a bit on left arm and my thumbs and palms. My recent x Ray showed that I have arthritis in my hip and my DEXA showed no problems in wrists but osteopoenia in spine and hip. My recent CRP was 5.5, just over normal and ESR normal range. My question is could the discomfort be arthritis rather than PMR and how can I tell? I’m pretty sure the hip is arthritis but as the hands is a recent thing ( 6 weeks ) I’m not sure.

As I don’t want to be on pred longer than necessary and by the way the aches do seem to come and go with weather, I’d love to hear your thoughts as I’m keen to try a taper again to 1.5.

Thank you!

[Hidden]

Hi casia, firstly, why the rush? It would be a shame to have a flare and have to go up.

Secondly, the best way to test for arthritis is to take OTC painkillers for a few days to see if they reduce the pain. If they do then you have your answer. You need to build the painkillers up as sometimes the body likes a steady level...a bit like pred. If they don't touch the pain then maybe you may have to try a quick burst of extra pred. But fingers crossed the painkillers will help.🌻

[Casia in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Poopadoop. I’ve been on 2 mg for a couple of months and have really been trying to be patient. I’m not very keen on taking painkillers as they can affect my tum but will try some coated.

[Hidden in reply to Casia]

I know what you mean. You could take 1 pill rather than 2 and see how you go. My friend has reaction to everything but paracetamol but can only take 1 3 to 4 times a day. Good luck.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As Poopadoop has said - if OTC painkillers help it’s probably not PMR- whereas if an extra mg or 2 of Pred does help it probably is!

You are on such a low dose of Pred, that even 0.5mg can make a difference. Doing no harm, but maybe a lot of good!

None of us wants to be on Pred longer than necessary, but no point in not taking enough!

Hope you sort it out.

[Casia in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset Lady. I took some paracetamol and already feel better!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Casia]

There’s you answer then - most likely. 😉

But still don’t rush the Pred - as I said it’s still doing more good than harm!

[Baileyw06]

You might try wrist braces at night, that solved my wrist problem.My Doctor suggested it.

[Casia in reply to Baileyw06]

Thank you Bailey06.