Can polymyalgia affect your glands ?

[Dawny1970]

Hi

I’m new to your forum and have been having a read through but haven’t found too much related to my question .

I’m having a flare up at the min and I know I need steroids if I want to help with the pain but I’m nervous due to coronavirus ☹️

I just wanted to ask does anyone else when they are having a flare up have shooting pains or any other pain in their armpits ? It’s really sore and stinging like someone is poking them 😡

Dawn

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome!

I have heard a few people say they had similar sensations in their armpit - I remember my bra being uncomfortable for some time as well but it didn't last long and I can't remember it since I've been on pred..

[OldGolfer]

Before I was diagnosed I told my wife I must have strained a tendon or muscle in my armpit. Many other places felt similar and it all went away quickly with prednisone so I assume it was PMR.

[Megams]

~Dawny1970 - short answer "yes" which is on & off depending on stressors & or incubating my usual respiratory virus.

Left sided ONLY which I am told is my weaker side if that makes sense.

Left armpit pulling & noticeable slight underarm odor which prior to PMR I smelt fresh as a daisy. I do the sniff test each day on my clothing worn.

I use daily underarm (non aluminium) deodorant.

Had swollen left gland in neck for a good 2 to 3 months this year & in left side groin.

Has now settled & latest bloods reflect better result so can only assume I had a simmering virus of some sort or slight flair as wasn't tickety boo during that time.... Not sure if this helps answer your question ~

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Megams]

May sound a silly question - but what does the underarm odour smell like? I notice a smell that I can only liken to burning/hot rubber (I think) when I flare, only early morning though. I no longer use deodorant, haven't for 15 years since PMR caused REALLY unpleasant BO and no deodorant was an improvement on using anything. I spent a fortune trying to find a replacement no-aluminium version and finally tried none and frequent washing which worked fine.

[Megams in reply to PMRpro]

~Not a silly question at all - best described as raw chopped onions & it stinks. I use a natural German underarm deodorant that certainly gives protection under r armpit but strangely not much under L one. I even wear my deodorant to bed, shower daily with thorough wash before bed time. You are brave not using a deodorant ~

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Megams]

I am assured by all who know me "in real" that I do not smell!! It is all about skin flora - I don't use soap regularly either and haven't done since PMR. I got over the "do I smell?" period early in PMR during the really stinky period! It was horrible - I'd showered in the morning, used deodorant, went to the gym and by the end of a Pilates class I couldn't stand how I smelt!!!

[Megams in reply to PMRpro]

~Hard to know isn't it!?

I certainly don't build a real sweat but just confined to that L armpit & have often wondered if my poor "ole" adrenal gland is trying to respond albeit weakly to some message..........who knows.

[Bcol in reply to Megams]

I can go with that odour, not when I flare but when walking. I've only got to go a short distance and the perspiration is dropping off me, might only be around the house, and the smell is yuk. If I am out and it's raining I might as well not wear waterproofs because I will come back as wet, if not wetter inside my clothes than outside. Lots of washing, body and clothes.

[Megams in reply to Bcol]

~I have noted some of you have this issue - suppose its like menopausal hot flushes constantly. You have my sympathy indeed.

I'm blessed with not having been like that & probably due to my meds being at reasonable dose of hydrocortisone for most of PMR journey other than when GCA suspected.