Have I got PMR?

[Barjac]

I haven’t had my pmr confirmed, my symptoms are not as severe as those described by some people’s postings, and my blood tests normal.

I did have more serious pain at first, which was relieved after taking the 15 prednisolone trial. That was five weeks ago and pain, stiffness has been very much less since and definitely not incapacitating. My GP has said watch and wait.

It would be great to hear of any similar experiences.

I would like to say how much I admire the courage and persistence your postings show.

Barjac

[SnazzyD]

Hello, can you describe your pain pattern?

[Barjac in reply to SnazzyD]

Before 15mg pred trial, pain across shoulders and neck, cracking neck bones, some pain in sternum area, pain across hip area, but especially down back of thighs. None bad enough to prevent getting out of bed.

Stiffness in general and when walking. Very fatigued when walking to the shops, something I normally do easily.

Tired and poor sleep.

All this much better since 15 mg five day trial, which was five weeks ago, and has continued to improve.

As I am 88 fatigue may be due to my age. Also my husband died earlier this year so that symptoms could be the stress and grief.

Sorry about the length of this,

Have you had similar experiences?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Barjac]

It is very postive it continues to improve even without pred - watchful waiting is the oder of the day I think.

[piglette]

My symptoms were like yours, but then got worse and worse over time. I never stopped the pred so do not know what would have happened. I was in agony before I got prescribed it on the other hand. You GP may be right, watch and wait. If it gets worse go back to him. Your blood tests may possibly be because some people never have raised figures.

[SheffieldJane]

Well Barjac, if you are on the correct dose of Prednisalone, I would expect your symptoms to be relieved. There is no definitive test to diagnose PMR. Often it is a process of eliminating other disorders. It is really telling that you feel better. That was enough for my doctor. Sometimes the inflammation doesn’t even show in blood tests and that can throw some doctors.. PMR, pains tend to be on both sides ( bilateral) you also tend to feel unwell like flu. The stiffness can make you feel like you can’t get into or out of a bath for example.. Your disease may have been caught early, which is great! I think I suffered long before I was diagnosed, then suddenly couldn’t get out of bed without assistance. Of all the things this could have been, I am grateful it was PMR. Make sure you use a gradual tapering programme as you reduce your Pred. That is really key. Look to the right of your screen on here for tips.

[Barjac in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks. My Prednisolone was at 15mg and only a five days trial. It was effective in reducing pain though. Mostly I am fairly free of pain and not going through what you must been. Got some pain bilaterally this morning in my shoulders.

Have you found exercise a help. I have been doing some prescribed for a bad back and think it may help the maybe PMR.

It would be good if PMR and gca were better known!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Barjac]

May I just express my sympathy for the loss of your husband. The grief must be so painful and lonely. 🌷

I didn’t notice that your trial of Pred was just 5 days. At least you know it is there, should you need it’s magic again. Watching and waiting seems to be the way forward. Don’t minimise your symptoms - pain is a warning. I have a private Physiotherapist who gives me gentle Pilates type exercises, designed for my capabilities. It is important to keep moving. It is getting difficult to keep motivated especially in the cold and dark. I admire your courage too.

[Whitner]

Yes Barjac, I feel exercise helps. I take a daily morning walk and that does seem to help with the tightness but I continue to have tightness in the front of my thighs, that just won't go away. I have been on 15 mg of prednisone for about 3 weeks and my symptoms are 95% better than before prednisone. I too am sorry to hear about your husband's passing. I hope the 5 day dose of prednisone will be all you need and you will be on your way.