PMR pain and prednisone

[OpieD]

I am currently down to 10 mg prednisone, after starting at 60 in Sept. at time of PMR diagnosis. There has been some pain since 25 mg, but more than tolerable and it tends to move around. I have recently had some hip pain in right hip, which makes sitting on hard surfaces a little uncomfortable. My Rheumatologist says that is not PMR as PMR does not cause "pressure pain" and is always bilateral. When I was first diagnosed, it was incredibly painful to sit on the commode, and my shoulders hurt when I slept on my side, so it obviously causes pain. My CRP is at 0, and my ESR is at 16 (down from 88) so she says it must be some other degenerative condition causing the hip pain, and wants x-rays. The pain is never equal, whether it be in the shoulders or hips. Both hands are sore in the a.m, which she also insists isn't PMR related. Just wondering if anyone else has experience the pressure type pain. I can easily live with it, and just curious why it seems to move around.

Thanks

[piglette]

Having an xray at least will at least give you a feel as to the state of your hips, so worth having.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Really - maybe they all need a dose! Trochanteric bursitis can be part of PMR and it can also be predominantly one-sided. Hands can be part of PMR.

Is this the same doctor who started you on 60mg for a PMR diagnosis? That is a dose reserved for GCA - PMR should respond to a dose of up to 25mg. I'd be seeking someone who has a bit better grip of PMR!

[SheffieldJane]

I certainly recognise the pain from PMR that you describe. I remember not being able to lie on either side with shoulder pain. X Rays are a good idea, I have had several in my 4 years of PMR. Osteoarthritis has been identified so I know that is not PMR pain. Prednisalone will make your bloods come back normal, especially on the doses you’ve been on. Symptoms rule. The trouble is if you carry on tapering down your PMR symptoms will worsen. Mine weren’t exactly by the book either. I would be inclined to rest at 20 mgs for 4 weeks and then begin a slow taper of not more than 10% of your dose. You clearly need more than 10 mgs. Perhaps a different doctor? Is your GP good with PMR they can sometimes be more understanding of the condition. In my view you are suffering unnecessary pain.