Great article! I was diagnosed with GCA & PMR just 6 months after the (unexpected) death of my brother.
"A recent article in Psychosomatic Medicine (2019) reviewed the research since 1977 on the immune system’s role in bereavement. The author states, “a handful of recent good-quality studies show bereaved people demonstrate higher levels of systemic inflammation, maladaptive immune cell gene expression and lower antibody response to vaccination compared with nonbereaved controls.”
I can vouch for “higher levels of systemic inflammation” .
Following my husband’s death, my ESR levels shot through the roof - at the time I was being treated for GCA - about 18 months on Pred - no flare, no pain - just raised blood levels purely down to stress.
I do like it when the professionals come up with something to confirm what we have been saying for a long time - particularly in PMR circles and where other professionals have dismissed the idea.
My PMR symptoms appeared after the sudden deaths of two close friends and the less surprising one of my mother. Like Dorset Lady, I had through the roof ESR levels, at a time when inflammation for other autoimmune conditions had been controlled by medication. So, some further anecdotal evidence for you. Thanks for the article.
Great article M. - great but of course 'sad' - I feel indignant that in the midst of extreme 'grief' we are often subjected to whole bunch of other stuff - some chronic even when we 'think' we have somehow come to some kind of 'terms' with the worst of things. As you know my PMR/GCA arrived also soon after the loss of a sibling - my younger sister's accidental unexpected death - and here I am years later STILL trying to 'shake' this off. I have always regarded 'grief' as an expression of 'love' - unfortunate it also has these manifestations. However I now realise virtually all we humans must be subjected to this in what is rather romantically called 'the rich tapestry of life 'X
So true😘x
So true!
~Eventual PMR diagnosis after suicide of precious family member followed 4 months later by death of adored Father so 100% vouch for this article.
My guess the tapestry of life + our genetics factor here too..............
Thank you for sharing such enlightening information, much appreciated ~
It fits with my back story too. Thank you for posting.
My PMR emerged after I experienced s number of stresses. This included about 7 years of work related PTSD, marriage, moving, buying/selling house, retirement, and renovations. An upper respiratory infection was the “final straw”.
I continue to experience more inflammation and flare when my system is overloaded psychologically and my body is calling for more cortisol in those instances, beyond the same daily dose of pred.
Reducing stress is key to “managing” PMR/GCA, as is a balance or activity, rest, and pred, at least in my case.
The body bears the burden!
Great article....thanks for sharing.
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