Hello everyone. New here and blessed to have found this site.
Rhumi's can only say that it's an auto immune system problem, they have no idea as to the cause and therein cannot cure it and can only prescribe the only effective pain relief, Preds.
I have never heard of DEXA scan until here so surprised I haven't had one especially given I've been on AA for the 3 years.
I was most surprised to here how many here have been treated for PMR for many years as I was told it would clear up in 18 months. So for the past 18 months I have been put on the methotrexate for 6 months and as they didn't work I've been told to reduce Pred constantly with paracetamol supplement on their advice.
It appears from peoples experience here that reducing to soon is not a good idea.
I understand that a Rhumi must have a difficult job to treat us and understand their concerns on long term medication but without any alternative on offer what's a boy to do ?
Written by
RevSmallwood
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I had my six month consultation with my rheumatologist this week (by telephone ) a different one this time. First one said PMR only lasts 12 months , this one said 18 months. I am currently taking 6 and a half and 7 mg on alternate days. He would be happy if I could get down to 6 mg , in 6 months time .
Felt like a waste of time . Only on the phone for 5 minutes.
I think their usual assumption is that it is fibromyalgia or an inflammatory arthritis of some sort - hence, in the latter case, the desire to use DMARDs. Then a few will blame steroid resistance (which I think coincides with when they aren't prepared to use enough for that patient) or steroid myopathy. Or that the patient is exaggerating their symptoms.
We've got the knowledge of the brilliant people on this website, that's what we've got! And we can always pray (gentle acknowledgement to the RevSmallwood there) that most Rheumys see the light - as it were).
Hello and welcome RevSmallwood. Some happy chance has brought you here. You are now amongst a group of very experienced people who will be happy to correct wrong information that you have been given and to help you on to the right path. Stick with us and bring your questions here as they arise.
Like you, I am very new to this site, but not AI disease. Personally and for those who have an understanding and enlightened clinical support team, the vision I have is a symbiotic team of clinical expertise and prescribing knowledge, aligned with expert patient.
Well thanks to you all, as anticipated you always get more support and good advice from fellow sufferers than those who are supposed to know
I have had many health problems for some years which I dealt with, but PMR was another story pain wise. Pred was like fairy dust and was doing fine till I went to see Rhumi and then it all went wrong.
The thing that is most odd is that there is such a disparity with the medical profession and sufferers as to the expected duration.
I'm no wallflower anyway when it comes to stating my case with Doctors but will feel more informed to ask a few more questions thanks to he great info here.
Many Thanks and God bless us all.
( BTW, I'm not a Vicar, it's the name of a character from one of my favourite films)
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Difficulty walking. Would pred boost help. 
What would you have done?
Who is Managing PMR without medication?
Methotrexate? Who mentioned Methotrexate?!!!!
