Addison’s with PMR

[Annie-lee2]

I believe I have PMR, I can’t move my neck in the morning and both shoulders are very stiff with pain. Had an ultrasound on both shoulders at my orthopedic and I have fluid in both upper arms with a lot of tendiniti in both. My right hip is very stiff in the morning as well. My CRP is 9.7 and platelets are 540. Does this sound like PMR to you? I have Addison’s disease and I’m steroid dependent with osteopenia, I can’t take any more steroids. What would the Dr. give me besides steroids? I was told I can’t take NSAIDs either because of the steroids and my stomach lining.

[MrsNails]

Hi Annie

Not sure if you’re in the UK but it’s after 11pm so you won’t get much response now until the morning.

PMRpro will be along & have some ideas or a way forward for you.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is no alternative to the correct dose of pred for PMR. It isn't high - starting with 15-20mg and tapering down to find the lowest effective dose which may not be significantly higher than you require for the Addisons anyway - it is amazing how much difference even 1mg can make.

Why can't you take more pred? I have osteopenia, already had it pre-pred and it has barely changed in 11 years on pred - the local expert on osteoporosis is impressed at my dexascan reading and is happy I take vit D and a good dietary calcium intake as I have problems with calcium carbonate supplements. Osteopenia is a very broad church - the t-scores that are defined as osteopenia range from -1.1 (almost normal) to -2.5 (almost osteoporosis) and everything inbetween. If you are nearer the osteoporosis end then there are ways of protecting the bone density you have.

[MrsNails]

Annie, do you take Hydrocortisone for your Addisons? So they may simply add Prednisolone as normal & increase bone protection if required. There are things you can do yourself re your bones, please have a look at HeronNS Profile.

MrsN

[HeronNS]

Re MrsNails comment, this is the post you might find useful: healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...