What is going on with my shoulders

[Amkoffee]

My PMR symptoms were never exactly like what is typical. My PMR pain was in my upper legs. However, I have a bad back and lots of pain from that so I don't notice any different pain in my hips. This all started 5 years ago. After 3 years I had to stop taking prednisone because I developed severe osteoporosis and broke several bones. Then a year ago I was diagnosed with addrenial insufficiency and was put back on steroids, though a very low dose. Now I'm having bilateral should and upper arm pain. I can't lift my arms up without pain. It just occurred to me that this is probably from untreated PMR. I take 25mg of hydrocortisone daily which is equivalent to about 5mg of prednisone. I know this isn't enough to help with the symptoms of PMR. My inflammation markers are very high too. I take Excedrin which has aspirin in it but was hoping someone had another solution.

[piglette]

Can you up your hydrocortisone a bit, as it does seem that you are not taking enough? Are you taking bisphosphonates?

[Amkoffee in reply to piglette]

I take Prolia which is an injection every 6 months which has helped. I know I will not be allowed to increase my steroid dose enough to make a difference nor maintain it for longer then a few days. It's very frustrating that I can't take steroids to make my life worth living but then have to take steroids to keep me from dying.

[Hidden in reply to Amkoffee]

How absolutely awful for you. 15mg of Pred for maybe just a week would probably get you out of that pain...is it worth taking the risk ?? I know how painful arms and shoulders can be with PMR suffering myself at the moment. Just be careful you don't run the risk of getting GCA too.....uncontrolled PMR can sometimes lead to that as it did me.....more scared of that than anything, as I only have the sight in one eye. I also have osteoporosis. Are you taking Alendronic Acid and AdCal calcium tablets. Also, if you're not already taking them, buy a good quality high strength Vit D3 and take with good quality K2 and Magnesium for better absorption. D3 protects our bones.

Good luck

Anne

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

The Prolia is a value-added version of AA, you don't need both.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

HC is poor at managing PMR, the effect doesn't last long enough. Can't see why you couldn't use pred - it often is as an alternative - and corticosteroids are corticosteroids, they all have similar potential adverse effects.

To be honest - if you are on Prolia it certainly counters the steroid effect so using pred instead of HCand adding abit may be reasonable.

I hear what you are saying - I wouldn't want to live with the pain I have had for the last couple of weeks for the foreseeable future. I tried all options - up to 20mg pred last night and finally it is low enough to let me move better.