Question please

[Deeroy2015]

Good morning,I am into my 6th year PMR/GCA down to 6mg.

I have developed a sort of weakness in upper legs, which goes up into my bottom. Any thoughts please?.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any low back problems? Could it be piriformis syndrome as part of your PMR? That affects the buttocks and upper thighs and isn't always painful as such to start with.

[Deeroy2015 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I do have lower back problems

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Deeroy2015]

medicinenet.com/piriformis_...

although it does say it is uncommon - oh ha, not being diagnosed doesn't mean it is uncommon, it means doctors don't identify it, rather different!! It is often found in PMR though it can exist alone. Interestingly. the image does show where my back problems sit - where his left hand is. The spasming in that muscle (latismus dorsalis) exerts tension on the lower back and then the piriformis joins in - it's like dominos

spine-health.com/conditions....

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi, Could be steroid induction myopathy...but would have expected it come on before now knowing your history.

Think you need to contact doctor.

This from US site -

What is steroid myopathy? - DECEMBER 1, 2012

Prednisone directly causes atrophy of muscle fibers (myopathy) leading to muscle weakness. This is a very common side effect of chronic (a few months or more) prednisone use but can be either mild or severe. Patients usually notice weakness most in the upper legs. It is not a painful condition directly, but weak muscles and their tendons are more easily strained, which can lead to pain. Muscle weakness that is so severe as to involve the muscles of breathing is rare, but leg weakness can lead to shortness of breath with climbing stairs.

Other than this hope you're okay.

[Deeroy2015 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks D.L. for your reply, don’t want whatever it is ,but other than that all is well. Hope you are recovering from from your fall.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Deeroy2015]

Yes thanks, bit slower than I’d like knee-wise, but I’m not intending to climb Everest anytime soon...so suppose it doesn’t really matter!😉