Has anyone else found that Covid 19 increases PMR symptoms

[Pym1]

Tested positive (despite both boosters!) a week ago. PMR ache symptoms and muzzy head have got worse. Anyone else had this experience?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This was posted a month ago - and some do, some don’t -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Pym1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks, very helpful.

[Kendrew]

Hi Pym1,

It's probably impossible to determine exactly what any increased aches and pains are caused by as covid on it's own, without PMR/GCA, frequently manifests with unpleasant aches and pains. It's probably reasonable to say it could be a combination of both PMR and covid related symptoms that's causing the heightened discomfort.

Probably not particularly helpful but not a straightforward question to answer unfortunately.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Apart from the fact some Covid symptoms are very similar to PMR, any illness can make PMR symptoms more severe - although a few people find that their PMR "disappears" while they are ill! No simple answers I fear - ever!

[Pym1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro. We struggle on!

[Susan1705]

Had Covid in March. During Covid my PMR symptoms were much reduced. After they worsened, however most of my friends who also had Covid at the same time also had fatigue muscle pain etc for weeks after. Hard to know for certain

[PUMC]

I had a mild case of COVID in January (tested positive, felt I’ll for 2 days). I was on 6 mg of prednisone at the time. A couple of weeks later, PMR symptoms were back - my shoulders and arms hurt and were useless. I asked my Dr to check my CRP - it had tripled; and the Sed Rate was elevated as well. My Dr. increased the prednisone to 10mg for 2 weeks; then a slow taper of 1/2 mg every 2 months to prevent flares. This is my second bout with PMR, and things are not going as well this time. I feel weak and seem to have no energy. But I manage, and am grateful for my life.

[PMRCanada]

I was I’ll with COVID in May 2020 (Beta/UK variant), and was sick for 10 days. Fatigue and fever were the main symptoms, followed by headache and muscle aches. Back then my GP instructed me to increase my pred from 9mg up to 12mg for the duration of my illness. I quickly tapered back down to 9 the last few days.

Hard to say if PMR was worse really as overall I wasn’t feeling well.