Just received my PMR results. CRP .3 ESR 16. Appear both midrange. Why am I so miserable? Tests forwarded to me and my OB/GYN (whom I trust) will be seeing her next week. My rheumatologist did nothing to address my pain. Started me at 10MGS. pred. I do have an elevated RA test. But this much pain? And the fast onset. Any information would be appreciated. Oh, I have experienced some relief after my OB/GYN upped me to 30mgs.
Thank you.
I am glad that you have a doctor that you trust. I am also glad that you are experiencing some relief at 30 mgs of Pred.The pain can make you feel very low and I think that PMR brings some depression with it. I found that my mood was lifting as Pred took effect, although it can make you feel a bit odd at first. You have very complex health requirements, I admire you for keeping on top of it all. I would definitely have to keep notes. Let us know how you are getting on. Managing this condition is quite a hands on job.
Thank you for the quick response. I do have depression and PMR is a complication for sure. Your kind words are very much appreciated. I wish I could get a diagnoses. Knowledge is power. My sister is possibly having a flare so I try to support her. She just had her ankle tendon repaired and is recuperating for the next month. She lives in Florida so I can't be as much help as I would like. Probably wouldn't be any help right now anyhow. How God works? A true mystery.
God bless all of you.
The starter dose is usually 15-20 mg pred.
Don't get fixated on the blood markers - they are both within normal range but that doesn't mean they aren't raised for YOU - something a lot of doctors don't appear to understand. Nor are they a "PMR test". When my ESR bumbled along at 16-18 for weeks during a really severe flare no-one blinked an eye - but it was considerably raised from my normal which is in low single figures. Another doctor who needs to look at the patient in front of them instead of the textbook which is inaccurate and out of date.
If your OB/GYN isn't familiar with it, maybe give her this:
ard.bmj.com/content/74/10/1799
where they say lowest effective dose in the range 12.5-25mg as the starting dose for PMR, exceptionally 30. Unless you start with enough pred for you, you won't see an improvement. But if things did get better at 30mg - you obviously have a pred-responsive polymyalgic syndrome. Which is a start!
I will give my Dr. your info. I think PMR needs a lot more research. How can people be in so much pain and not be able to find relief? No wonder we have this pandemic. Everyone needs to educate themselves. Does anyone recommend seeing a geriatric Dr.? I'm contemplating.Will keep you posted. Thank you.
Not usually - it is a rheumatology disorder. Geriatric specialists usually look more for quality of life so I suppose they might be more willing to use pred as required for symptom relief rather than trying to rush their patients off pred whatever the result. They might also be better at deciding who need adjuvant drugs "just in case". Not an option where I live - none locally,
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