GP suspects PMR

[Bowdenambleside]

Hi,

I’m new to this site although I’d joined HU to view the hysterectomy & Endometriosis sites. Having had endometriosis & fibroid problems for several years i had a total abdominal hysterectomy on 23rd April this year. The recovery was steady as expected. Once up & about probably 6 weeks in, i developed severe hip pains especially with walking. I just put it down to the recovery. However being back at work full time & it steadily getting worse and spreading to all my joints i went back to my GP who ordered 2 blood tests.

My doctor said the first was in the normal range but the second was high so she suspects PMR and started me on Pred 15mg from last Friday. She wants to see me next Monday to decide if the medication has helped which she says will confirm her suspicion.

This is day 4 and i am feeling much better so hopeful the diagnosis is correct and i can get some respite. I’d never heard of the condition before & i am 53 years old. My GP said i fall into the guideline category for this condition & diagnosis.

I am wondering if the trauma from my operation may have triggered this condition or is it just luck of the draw?

Any advice or information is welcomed.

I have read the welcome to new members information & thanks for that.

[Yellowbluebell]

Hi welcome to the forum. It is possible your recent operation triggered pmr but it could also be a number of other things including stress involved with your illness prior to the op.

If you have responded well to the pred it does suggest your gp is correct. It is good to see a gp recognising that pmr is being diagnosed in lots more people under the age of 60.

You probably have lots of questions so please feel free to ask, there is usually someone about most of the time.

You can go through the site and look at the pinned posts which will give you lots of help. I am pleased the info for new members was helpful.

Could you please make sure you fill in your profile details as this allows our members to be able to target any advice they give. Good luck. YBB

[Bowdenambleside in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Thanks for your reply & you’re right about the possibility of the stress prior to my op being a possible trigger. I’ve also look at lots of pinned post which have been helpful & informative too. They gave me the courage the write my own post!

I will make effort to complete my profile details too 👍🏽.

[Marilyn1959]

Welcome. In answer to your question many of us cite trauma, emmotional and / or physical prior to onset of PMR, plus of course stress.

This forum is extremely active and really supportive, so it is really positive you have found it early on your PMR journey.

Since you have responded well to pred it is likely your GP is on the ball. You are fortunate since many sufferers under 60 are still having trouble with diagnosis due to age despite the guidelines, so hang on to your GP! I wish you a smooth journey, but warn that there may well be peaks and troughs.

The support and advice I have received from forum members has enabled me far better understanding of PMR which has in turn given me greater autonomy in managing it and challenging health practioners appropriately. In addition it is great to get advice or simply ' a lift' (morale support) from members when / if the going get tough either in the work place or at home. Best wishes to you.

[Bowdenambleside in reply to Marilyn1959]

Thank you so much for your words of advice & sharing how the forum has helped you. I realise i must be lucky that my GP has picked it up especially after reading so many other people’s experiences as i had no idea of PMR or what could be going on for me. I can see this site is going to be a big part of my journey!

[SheffieldJane]

Hi Bowdenambleside and welcome to the site! It really helps this journey incredibly.

Many of us have a history of medical, physical, emotional, mental, trauma in the lead up to PMR/GCA. I wouldn’t be surprised if your history has brought you here, unfair as it seems. It’s like a kind of fuse blowing.

I am really glad you are experiencing the blessed relief that Prednisalone brings. There are lots of experienced folk who are happy to answer your questions as time goes on. Stick with us!

[Bowdenambleside in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and makes sense when you say my history has brought me here. I will definitely be sticking with you! 🤗

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It could have been the final straw yes - but you will never really know. And congratulations on having a sensible GP who can read the guidelines!!!

[Bowdenambleside]

Yes i agree it probably was the final straw as I’d had a rough time with my gynae problems physically and emotionally. I am being very thankful in regards to my GP too. I am realising how hard it is for some people to be diagnosed and get the right treatment so in that sense feel very fortunate. Thank you for your reply 😊