What are the odds…

[nuigini]

…Of a persistent sore throat being a symptom of PMR? I’ve had a minor sore throat for more than a week together with the dreaded deadly fatigue for more than three weeks after a .5 slow drop from 13 to 12.5 mg. No other symptoms other than a low fever which is actually barely above “normal”. My normal is lower than “normal”.

Keep in mind that I may be one of those who absorb only 50% of prednisone

I felt I should ask because in the early days of PMR I remember being told by my medical practitioner at the time that sore throat was a symptom, but I can’t recall hearing it mentioned on the forum.

With all that is going on with regard to Covid-19 I don’t want to risk a flare, nor do I want to be in a situation of adrenal fatigue and the risks associated with that condition.

[Blearyeyed]

As you are on Steroid Medication and it is above 5 mg you are in a vulnerable group . Your Fatigue will also be a sign that you could find it difficult to cope with an infection.

As you will know a fever / high temperature and persistent cough are the two main symptoms of this new virus .

As it is not improving and you are vulnerable you should ring your GP or Emergency Medical Services and request to be checked and tested as soon as possible. Measures are being taken to prevent contact between people , especially those with any sort of infection so not leaving this is important .

[nuigini in reply to Blearyeyed]

This is not a Covid-19 issue. I am,and have been, isolated in an area of Panama for weeks where there is no covid 19.

My symptoms are not covid-19 related

I'm seeking confirmation of whether or not a persistent sore throat and low grade fever may me symptoms of an impending flare. They are not typical PMR symptoms for me but I know it's not unusual to develop new symptoms.

[Blearyeyed in reply to nuigini]

Glad to hear that you are in a safe area from the new virus .

You could have another infection though , have you tried rest, fluids and Paracetamol and had any improvement?

Although I have heard of and had temperature swings or dry mouth and throat as side effects of Steroids I would not say I've noticed people discuss those two symptoms alone as a sign of a PMR Flare.

Are you experiencing an increase in Pain and Stiffness that you recognise as similar to those you had at diagnosis ?

[nuigini in reply to Blearyeyed]

No PMR pain at all. I guess I'll just stay the course and hope it runs it's course.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Blearyeyed in reply to nuigini]

If you have been suffering from Fatigue for three weeks this can make you very run down in your General Health and a Dry Sore Throat ,Tiredness and often a temperature are signs of this too. They can also be a sign of any infection or allergy reaction which may not usually have but can do while dehydrated or run down.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to nuigini]

Hello nuigini:

You may have been in an isolated area of Panama, but where are you now and how did you get there?

If you were on a plane or went through an airport, you certainly could have picked up a case of COVID19.

A fever is a sign of infection. You need to get checked out.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

She is in an isolated area of Panama. In her winter quarters! Last plane was weeks ago Maybe even pre-Covid since she was already there for xmas, Thanksgiving too I think.

[nuigini in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I've been where I am for 4 months, which is on a little house on a hill with nothing but hills, valleys, mangroves and distant mountains in sight. We've been practicing social distances for months. 😎

We decided very early in this crisis that the wisest move was to stay put.

The fever is very mild as is the sore throat. If and when things get worse I may seek medical advice from a distance.

Thanks for your concern.

[Hidden in reply to nuigini]

I often have a tender throat, where it's difficult to swallow properly, and a glandy feeling. I think it's part of my complex set of conditions. But I have notice it is a symptom that get worse and more frequent with PMR. I just call it a glandy week when it happens. For some reason, mainly years of Dr ignoring such "complaints" I haven't had it investigated. Did you have any neck issues with or before PMR...thyroid??

[nuigini in reply to Hidden]

No prior neck or throat issues prior to PMR.

[SheffieldJane]

My OH and I had this last week and it turned into a cold, a light sniffly one. Try looking after it in the old fashioned way, plenty fluids, gargles with salt ( we used to gargle with soluable Aspirin which was good and pain relieving ( might not be allowed now - Pred). Take over the counter pain relief like Paracetamol. Zap it with vit c and rest a lot. If it worsens phone your GP. I doubt it’s linked to Covid 19. Take care.

[nuigini in reply to SheffieldJane]

That's pretty much what I've been thinking except it's not moving in any direction in terms of getting better or worse.

The advice is good and in fact what I've been doing.

Thanks SJ

[SnazzyD]

How long have you had it for? Do you have any other funny symptoms or stiffness other than fatigue? Does a normal pain killer work?

Covid aside, yes a sore throat can be a sign of GCA. Mine was more like a dry irritation (not a tickle) with a dry cough and intermittent croaky voice for weeks. Viruses can also do this and I always leave 7-14 days before I start to get annoyed. My current head cold had no fever whatsoever and it started with a sore throat and fatigue. My Covid-like illness felt very different by the way.

[nuigini in reply to SnazzyD]

No other symptoms SnazzyD and I've avoided any pain killers as everything is minor in nature. Just salt water gargling for now. I'll just stay the course for now.

Thanks for the reply.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is a part of my PMR - right at the start I had a constant low grade sore throat and tickly dry cough. GP couldn't see or hear anything. It improved at higher doses of pred but always came back with a flare. Still there now, been here for months. I always wondered if it was a sign of LVV but they said there was no sign on the PET-CT last week.

[nuigini in reply to PMRpro]

Well, well, with that in mind I think I should consider an increase in preds for a few days just in case. Thanks.

[yogabonnie]

when I have lowered my dose (now at 1.5 from 20 every time I have experienced cold symptom tired and tickle in my throat. Or if I was late taking it or dinged with it somehow. AND every time I say to my husband OMG I'm getting a cold!!!! and he says PMR? and in the morning it is gone. Might come back..but comes and goes and once I am settled into the dose it goes. until the next time. but NO other symptoms, just fatigue and little sore throat. ALSO I don't know about in Panama.. but ALLERGY SEASON HERE. My poor husband sneezing and coughing and feeling ugly. NO time for cover 19! staying IN.

[nuigini in reply to yogabonnie]

Your experience is good to know. Thanks.

I expect allergy season is pretty constant here in Panama depending on what a person is allergic to. There's always something pollinating, some plants in the dry season and others in the rainy season. Fortunately we don't suffer with seasonal allergies. I have in the past however, and send my sympathies to your hubby....and you too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to nuigini]

I was thinking that ...

[nuigini]

Thanks everyone for all the replies and helpful advice. 🤗🤗🤗

Based on all that has been said and my own rather 6 year complex history with PMR I've decided to treat this as a potential upcoming flare and increase prednisone for a few days then right back down.