Newly diagnosed PMR

[VALBARRY]

Recently diagnosed with PMR but need to have a liver scan in the new year to confirm

I have not yet been given medication for the terrible pain.in my arms and would like to know what over the counter pain relief works best for this condition

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

and welcome,

PMR is not usually based on a liver scan, but on symptoms primarily and then ESR and CRP (inflammatory markers) readings.

Unfortunately Pred is the only true pain reliever for PMR, but you could try ibuprofen - it is a NSAID ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) but you need to be aware it can cause stomach problems - or paracetamol.

But having gone down that route myself pre-diagnosis - albeit for GCA rather than PMR - I have to say it may only take the edge off , not give real relief! So good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't understand why a liver scan - having raised liver enzymes is part of PMR for some patients. I also can't see why your GP can't try a short course of pred - if it doesn't work it isn't PMR but if it does the patient gets major relief and it is a brick in the wall of diagnosis.

In the 5 years I had PMR before I got pred nothing OTC helped at all I'm afraid. Warmth to allow a bit of movement was helpful though. Once you can move a bit it often does improve.

[Hidden]

I was 1 yr undiagnosed.. my first dose of prednisone was like a miracle. I could move and put the crutches away. Nothing over the counter helped.

I do however find that for things like pain from my fall .. my leg feels better with ibuprofen go figure. Someone said not to mix with prednisone so will have to look at that....

Good Luck...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

No you shouldn’t mix ibuprofen -and Pred. Ibuprofen is a NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) - and can cause stomach issues - as can Pred - so too much.

[polydoodle in reply to DorsetLady]

I agree, and my Rheumy told me under no circumstances must I take Ibuprofen.

[SheffieldJane]

Well I have an awful habit of reading, leaning on my left elbow. I was in such agony today I thought of a heart attack. 2 Tramadol sorted it out. Had it been PMR or a Cardio issue, it wouldn’t have,

[Arflane97G]

Are they looking for other things than pmr? When I was referred to the rapid diagnostic unit in sept I had lots of tests to rule out other things but when I saw a rheumatologist he said I am pretty sure it is pmr so I will prescribe steroids if that’s ok (! ) and if it works we will know for sure - amazing relief in 4/5 days.