Chronic painful armpit pain and tenderness along with PMR shoulder and upper arm pain

[bunch1974]

Good morning,

I’m wondering if anyone here has had chronic arm pit pain as well as the lymph nodes under the ears? I also have Fibro/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, wondering if it’s all connected?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had a bit of underarm pain - but put it down to my bra putting pressure on tender areas.

[HeronNS]

When I first was diagnosed I happened for some reason to come across a diagram of the lymphatic system and was struck by how it matched up with the areas of most concentrated pain that I had experienced when PMR was affecting me most strongly.

[HeronNS]

I would tell the doctor about this, though, because I think if it were PMR pred should deal with it.

[Amanda_iona]

Years ago I suffered from ME/CFS and the swollen tender lymph glands were a core part of my illness. I now have PMR and no symptoms of lymph glands.

So I would think they are part of your CFS. And a very good indicator of whether you need to rest, in my experience. Mine used to go up and down like yoyos!

Every sympathy if you have both illnesses.

[Hidden]

Hi bunch1974, I have fibro and pmr and Ave periodically have swollen glands in my neck and right armpit in particular. The neck and throat predate pmr and were really features in fibro and since glandular fever many years ago. The underarm ones I believe are a sign I may be starting to flare.

[Blearyeyed]

Yes the swollen lymph nodes , especially under the armpit area can be a common Fibro and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptom from a Hypersensitivity or immunity response to other Pain / infections / illness or injury going on in the body.

Unfortunately, the PMR shoulder pain can get worse as you feel more tension in the body from the Fibro / CFS or other Chronic Illness flaring up , and vice versa, increase in PMR symptoms can increase the Fibro or CFS. It can get confusing knowing which comes first and which Self Care to do , or which medication that might need increasing when things collide.

Try standard Paracetamol at the recommended doses , more fluids , Vitamin C and rest and warmth . Just in case it is an immunity response or an infection first for a few days.

If the lymph nodes remain swollen , continue these and try a daily antihistamine ( if , and only if, you are allowed this with your other medications , check if you can take Piriton or antihistamine in the interactions list in your medication boxes).

If the PMR pain continues to worsen after a few days , even if other things are improving, you may need an increase in your steroids , but you could need an increase in your Fibro / CFS medications , or have an infection , that is causing this Flare , then it is best to check with the GP before you make any changes .

Hope it gets better soon.

Tip , keep a daily diary if you have more than one Chronic condition . Just making a simple note of where you have pain and how bad , or if you feel a symptom pop up.

The record makes it easier to know which condition is causing the problem or started to Flare first.

It also helps to remind you of when more noticeable changes started and what has been happening when you go to the Doctor as you can look back at your notes.

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Good tip re antihistamine and my book for blood glucose doubles up as a 'health diary'.... Really good for tracking how I feel and what I have been doing that may contribute to feeling good or bad. I tried on. My phone calendar but reading it in a book that's divided into section for bgx2, insulinx2 columns, pred dose, dmard and 2 columns for activities etc. is so much more tangible. Usually it's reserved for changes in pain etc rather than a daily overview.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Yes , definitely a book is better , especially if you want to look over a few days at once , it's also easier to refer back through while you writing a summary for a specialist , especially if you can get headaches from using a screen.

[bunch1974]

Thank you so much everyone for your kind words and suggestions that may help. I will use many of them, hoping for enough relief before seeing the rheumatologist. I’m so thankful for this forum, it’s nice to not feel alone with all of this 💕