PMR evolving to RA?

[jer3jen]

Is there any experience of PMR changing to RA.?

I’ve been told by my physician he feels this may be occurring with me

Jer3jen

[jinasc]

Sometimes, LORA (Late Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis) does come along in some people with PMR. The Medics normally add Methotextrate, once they know it is LORA, that is one of the good medications for LORA. In fact metho was developed for another illness originally but it was found to be useful in other conditions.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are cases where a PMR diagnosis is revised at some later date because evidence of RA becomes apparent. It doesn't necessarily mean that PMR changes into RA - though no-one knows, it may do - but is more likely to be that the RA had what is called a polymyalgic presentation. Nowadays there is a blood test that makes a certain RA diagnosis more likely (anti-CCP) but without signs of joint erosion it is difficult to be 100% certain there either. LORA may occur without there being joint erosion for many years. There are a couple of other forms of inflammatory arthritis that can look just like PMR in the early stages too.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

That I find extremely interesting, I might be going in that direction as well, I will investigate.

[Coffeebeans]

I'm currently being investigated for RA and spondyloarthritis - no answers yet but I had a strong PMR like presentation hence that diagnosis for the last year.

What other tests have they done to confirm this thinking?

[Jan_Noack]

DO your joints in inflammatory arthritis that you used to have but no longer have (if the inflammation in those joints has entirely disappeared) , do they show any damage- like roughened edges? My finger during ages 28-35 joints were red, inflamed and sore if touched (I couldn't shake hands or clap or hold hands in an aqua rehab class without pain)..and I thought maybe RA but was dissed and told it was OA! Now all gone for over 25 years and I don't think any damage shows either..so I often wonder if it was RA. I only had it in finger joints and knees had something later on (from about 45), also now gone. I do sho some roughed edges in my rotator cuff (I had an Xray before getting diagnosed with PMR as I couldn't raise my arm).. I'm no sure what I had but I also did a few of those quick tapers of cortisol or prednisone from 25mg or even from 50mg , same as you did. Mine was more for just feeling rotten though, and looked the pitts too. I did have elevated ESR and CRP on tests at age 40. Sorry I never got a diagnosis for my finger joints , and except for not being able to use my hands much it wasn't such a biggy.