hi todat I have muscle aches all over. I went swimming Friday didn’t really swim just a few exercises in water. Yesterday ok today omg killing me. Have I flared or just overdone it. I’m taking paracetamol to see if that helps any advice please
muscle aches: hi todat I have muscle aches all over... - PMRGCAuk
muscle aches
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Uglow
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Oh dear! I was banking on big improvement when I go to France next week and have 3 weeks with a pool! Swimming/ walking in pool every day! I had a massage yesterday and am aching all over today! You never can tell!
Not sure whether to increase pred for couple days?
I have no idea! It’s all a mystery to me. But people seem to increase and decrease as they feel. Perhaps try? Or maybe one of our special team will advise!!
They don't really. Many of us work closely with our doctors who have allowed dose adjustment when tapering - and that is a different matter to this where it isn;t a flare of the PMR but more likely to be DOMS, delayed onset muscle soreness which pred won't help.
Thank you.
I notice that if exert myself a bit (doesn't have to ge much) I don't feel it necessarily the day after but normally day ofter that. I liken it to going to the gym or exercise, always hurts after abiutb24/48 hours but then another 24/48 hours it's generally much better 😁 And not much helps other than times bit of tlc and massage. Hope you feel better soon 😘
Do you everything at your own pace is my advice. No point in overdoing things and ruining your holiday. Have a peaceful time 😌.Where in France?
Between Poitiers and Angouleme. Our house.. which is sadly now on the market! So prob last time!
Oh, that is sad. Enjoy this (maybe) last visit and treasure the memories.My brother-in-law lived in Bergerac for several years and we used to drive down. Also holidayed in Brittany, Provence, Fleury and the wonderful Collioure!
My friend just sold her villa in southern Spain. Made me cry ...
Every time I plan to arrange a meet with you something comes up. We will do tho.
PMRproAmbassador
Almost certainly overdone it - every action done in water takes 7 times the effort of the same thing done on land and it is very easy to do too much in the pool. You must start VERY gently and build up slowly.
Really just a case of resting and patience.Increasing pred here isn't really appropriate, it is not a flare of disease activity causing increased inflammation but overuse of muscles has resulted in tiny tears in the muscle fibres which now have to heal - it is how training works to make muscles stronger and this muscle soreness is like that but because of the PMR effect on muscles it can be more pronounced and take longer to resolves as the muscle fibres get back to normal.
Thats good to know actually - I think I have had PMR for a very long time, and it was after starting aquafit in January that things really spiralled and I ended up "hurting everywhere" after about 4 weeks - it was in my arms for the first time and actually that makes sense. I am now just back from swimming.- I swim outdoors and in the pool at least 4 times a week, I am now on around 8.5mg a day and finding it fine -but the pool fitness classes were what kicked it off for me.
I did aquafit all through the 5 years I had PMR before pred (not recognised and diagnosed) and it was what kept me upright and mobile. BUT - like all exercise it must be started at a very low level, limited time and limited effort and building up slowly, over months, not days and avoiding too much of the specific actions that PMR doesn't ike.
Yes I could handle it now I have been diagnosed and actually have pred - but I have opted for no classes just swimming and its something I have always been good at sport wise so I am grateful I can do it with ease now - its helping to negate the weight gain for me, and even though I am bigger, I am sure I am fitter (apart from the fatigue). I have realised finally that even with taking medication I am still tired out come the afternoon and with this heat, mornings only for "getting things done". I am knitting a lot of socks in the afternoon now!
I doubt I could swim even now - my back/neck and shoulders wouldn't like it!
Isn't it funny - one thing I absolutely couldn't do was knit in heat!
Ha! Its the only thing I can think of doing that requires only moving my fingers!! Its only socks - I doubt I could manage anything bigger!!
My computer is my friend - the forum, reading the paper and watching recorded TV being as daytime TV is so dire ....
I agree - I have recently taking out an Audible subscription so my favourite thing is to sit indoors with all the doors and windows open, knitting and listing to audio books. I have about 10 real books lined up too - this fatigue does have its upside, I feel less guilty about sitting around - now I know there is a reason for no energy. I consider it a good morning if I have swum, shopped and hung my washing out - the afternoons its all about relaxing! And this forum has helped me to stop fighting it - yourself and Dorset Lady particularly
I’m an avid fan of audio books as well, for obvious reasons, and if you are a member of local library you can get an app all free. Just contact local authority or pop into library -they’ll give you a code -and away you go.
App is worldwide -so.plenty of choice -mine is Borrow Box, but there are others-depends on your local authority.
Really? Well I did used to rent them out but they were I think £9 from memory - this Audible is £9.99 per month = you get a credit and lots of freebies to listen to but I suspect when I have used up all the freebies I will stop it. I also listen to Radio 4 dramas on the iplayer on. my pc and my phone. you can multi task with audio - reading a book means I can't be doing anything else!
Agree - and being mono-sighted some of the print is just too small.
I did try large print book initially, (before library introduced the digital facility -well it was 10 years ago so quite progressive for deepest, darkest Dorset) but they weigh a ton - not too good in early days of GCA!
I also use the library iBook App and Kindle as well if I can’t find a specific one on the audio App -at least you can adjust print size digitally.
Mmmm - but reading a book means you have to rest. Like with breast feeding - no handing the bottle to someone else while you do cleaning!
Can't be doing with audio books - take too long!!!
Did you know you can change the speed of the narration?
I put them on when I can’t sleep and invariably fall asleep when I’m listening! I also listen to BBC Sounds app on Radio 4 and there are play repeats, and also documentaries, podcasts etc.
Yes me too - I love Radio 4
Listen from first thing in the morning! Only switch off when people irritate me!
Me too! I don't like most of the quizzes - or anything about classical music - not overly keen on the science types either but depends how desperate I am for background whilst I am dressmaking or weaving or whatever - loving my headphones now so I can listen on iplayer but it keeps making my phone run out of charge - oh, first world problems!
I do my own version of swimming-shoulders bit of an issue… !
Do you not find the cold water a problem?
No I don't - I am overweight - still hanging onto a few hormones - I swim in rivers and the sea too being near the coast in Norfolk - I relish the cold of the water to cool me down personally!
🥶
I have been feeling the same in the last few days. Aching all over, but also experiencing random stabbing pains - anywhere! They’re quite scary. As I injured my knee some time ago, I was put on a group exercising programme at the local hospital. It’s called ‘escape-pain’ and is running for one hour, twice a week for five weeks. It includes basic exercises, + apparatus, a ‘running’ machine and an exercise bike. I managed home exercise for a couple of days but was in too much pain to continue. It didn’t feel like the normal feeling of general aches and pains. People on this programme obviously have different conditions and may cope better. My comments not very helpful for you, other than you’re not alone. Will see what my session is like tomorrow, but feel guilty that I’ve not done my homework!
Actually it is helpful in that anyone considering going on/or advised to attend a class like that needs to take their PMR into account. It may help one aspect of your health, at the detriment of PMR.
I will have to explain at the class tomorrow and see what the physios say. We had to move round from one piece of apparatus (treadmill? and exercise bike) to another and exercises in between. I think the others had hip problems and one person had fibromyalgia. I was sent specifically for my knee as it was still giving me trouble. My pains this week were not like those from exercising!
The local hospital had similar programme before lockdown. Closed now since covid alas as gym very small. I couldn't do the programme but miss doing physio exercises there 3 times a week on treadmill, bike etc.
Last sentence indicates your PMR may be flaring if you don’t think it’s DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) which usually starts a couple of days after exercise and last 3-5days.
Last week it felt like PMR, and I kept having the random stabbing sensations. After today’s session it feels more like aches and pains from the exercises. Having other conditions too only adds to the confusion!
Yes it does, but would say today’s pain is probably DOMS - and hopefully now you’ve spoken to physio they will be more aware of your PMR issues.
Yes they realise that now. I thought I sounded like the only one in the group talking about my issues, as the others in the circle tend to be quiet! The other reason I thought the aches weren’t from exercise last week was because I was getting headaches and tenderness in different parts of my head.
And what about headaches/tenderness now?
Headaches not around at the moment, but if I apply slight pressure I can feel the tenderness. They come and do and sometimes when I’m in bed.
Okay -well do keep an note about them -and anything that you may have done during previous 24hrs to trigger them. Don’t get paranoid but just for your own peace of mind and to see if there’s a pattern…
They appear out of the blue , but don’t tend to last for very long. I do make notes but not specifically on these, as I don’t want to get paranoid about everything that’s ’wrong ‘ with me!
Know where you are coming from…..and they may be nothing. We can overthink things sometimes….it was just a suggestion 😊
Thankyou, I mentioned them at the eye clinic when I had ‘flashing lights’, but they didn’t mention any connection. I always appreciate any suggestions, especially as I have always found yours particularly helpful, whether directly to me or related to other people on this site!
in reply to DorsetLady
I’ve just been referred to a class like this for physio on my leg following injury to muscles which went untreated due to covid. Stills disease has been opportunistic and moved into the ankle of this leg and brought a friend called Enthesitis.Any way I’m worried this class won’t allow for my immobility and pain in other joints, mainly hips, knees and wrists. I shall alert the instructor and see what happens 🤸♀️🏊🏋️
That’s all you can do - but as we know one size doesn’t fit all. Hope it works for you…
As DL says - doesn't sound ideal for PMR does it!!! I can barely walk at times, never mind on a treadmill! I do have a mini-ergometer which I got out some weeks ago - and it promptly reawakened the trochanteric bursitis. That'll be a no then!
My latest! Apart from aching knees .. interested in DOMs ! Never heard of that before! )… is huge sweats all over.. not just neck as I’ve had before. I was given amytrypaline to help with my nights.. it certainly has! But I see huge sweats are one of the side effects!!! So charming!
Ps.. start on reducing.. 9 one day and 8.5 the next! Wish me luck!
Slow down - you go too fast 
I’ve been a month on 9.. then I’ll do a month on alternate days with 8.5..then a month on 8.5.. is that not ok?I do wish the pred tablets were different colours! Some of the 1mg are the same size as the 5mg. Have to be so careful!
Sounds ok to me I get pills ready a few days in advance get a pill box then you can concentrate on putting correct dose in
It isn't bad - but have you not looked at the slowed tapers in FAQs? Even gentler - and you will probably need them as you get lower.
Sorry to be stupid but how do I get to FAQ? I still haven’t found my way round this site very well ! No good saying I’m only 84!!! Others don’t seem to have a problem!!!
Linked here - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Suggest you save it- but it’s also in Pinned Posts at the moment-
If you want tapering plans they are here - just choose the one you want to follow -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thanks so much
in reply to Bedwell
Don’t worry Bedwell, I’m just 60 and struggle too 🖥
Oh yes they do, I am 77yrs old and totally useless.
I have no idea why I always think of you as the fit one 🤣 I think it’s because you found so together. I have visions of you closeting around just being strong and in control. I see DL the same. 😘
I couldn’t get on with that treadmill and the physio who was supervising me had to stop it! I had been feeling ok before I went. I couldn’t do the exercises at home after that as I felt so achy and with the stabbings sensations as well.
I hate the treadmill - it is such an unnatural gait because the speed is constant and no-one walks naturally like that even when healthy. And with PMR we tend to slow down and rest quite a bit.
123-go has said it all - we must NEVER compare ourselves with others at any stage, whether it is rate of reduction of pred or what we can manage physically. Any anyone, doctor or physio, or even so-called friends, who tried to insinuate we should be doing "better" or we are not trying should be sent packing. Especially any HCP who tries to suggest "no pain, no gain" - it isn't true for athletes in rehab, it absolutely isn't true for us.
Am taking it easy over the weekend as was quite achy everywhere after my session yesterday (two weeks to go). Tell myself it’s doing me good. Some people in the group have problems with a hip or knee , but it doesn’t extend to other parts. I put mine down to underlying health conditions. They had removed the bike as it was probably needed in another part of the hospital. I live in a tourist/day tripper spot and avoid the crowds until after the weekend! Hope you have a pleasant one in that fresh mountain air!
Same here - the first 2+ weeks of August are foul - Italy shuts down and everyone goes to the seaside or the mountains where it is supposedly "fresher and cooler". And clog up the roads with their stinky cars. Today is another awful day on the roads as even more Germans come for their jolly holidays as well!
You know that "get away from it all" camping trend? All campsites fully booked ...
I forget all that! I have that romanticised idea of how it was when I visited the Tyrol as a child. Of course when I jump back to reality, it is exactly as you say. All the people travelling from the UK as well, despite holdups at ports and air terminals. I don’t see how it can be any fun, but some people don’t mind being herded together on beaches and other popular places. It’s the same with motor home parking with no places between them. I don’t know about the campsites but I imagine it’s worse where you are. The crowds here in Matlock Bath are happy with the shops and cafes, and many don’t even venture up into the hills. That’s good for us, at least!
The news programes regularly show the tourists up the mountains - bit like those scenes from Everest where you see them literally queueing! You have to go off the beaten track for peace which the locals do. The online "paper" reports regularly on the idiot tourists who aim for a Via Ferrata climb wearing little better than flip-flops - and then request rescue services in the late evening. So they also have to risk their lives in the dark either climbing or with the helicopter,
There is a great dispute here currently that there are too many tourist beds and a limit has been set. Which of course is also causing recriminations ...
I’ve seen women here actually walking (trying to) in stilettos! It’s pretty obvious that they should be in walking shoes and all that goes with them. I am no longer able to walk in this particular place, so don’t know how they manage it. So many stupid people with their disposable barbecues and litter left behind. Grrr…
I hope you're not trying to keep up with the others in the group!😲
Reminds me of P E at school, when I was the duffer. I keep looking at everyone else and what they’re doing!
You really have to work at your own pace, ClarkB. If something hurts you should stop. There will be a range of abilities within the group and it would be no disgrace for you to speak to the person who set this class up for you and tell them how you are being affected. It's not a question of 'no pain, no gain' and there's no shame in speaking up for yourself. Apart from what I've already said, I feel that it's not safe to have to wait for the physiotherapist to stop the treadmill when you may be struggling: you should be in control and be able to stop it or slow it down yourself. Where's the risk assessment?
I was there this morning and had a word with them. Quite understanding and I didn’t go on the treadmill! I had to do some exercises though and although they didn’t seem too taxing I’ve still ended up with backache and achy hips!
I'm so pleased you spoke out! Please don't think I'm nagging, but perhaps don't put too much effort into the exercises at this point but build up slowly. If, at the time of your next session you are still achy please don't push yourself. Small steps.......I'm actually wondering how many PMR patients they see 🤔.
I wish you well.🙂
Thankyou! You’re right and I must build up slowly. I find myself looking at other people and what they are doing! I become frustrated with myself! The physio knew that PMR was associated with autoimmune disease when I explained. She was understanding and told me to work at my own pace.
No good looking at other people -your injury/your illness therefore your pace/your rate of activity..
Concentrate on what you can do, and although it’s natural to look, let others’ attempts go hang!
You’re right! Takes me back to my schooldays when I was the same. Will be singleminded on Friday, if I manage to hobble up the slope!
I'm sure no one in the class will be judging you. Put on an imaginary pair of 'tunnel vision' glasses and concentrate only on what you are doing. Give yourself a pat on the back for every little bit of progress; it will all add up.🙂Good to hear that the physiotherapist told you to work at your own pace.
How did you injure your knee? I dealt with knee injuries 2020-21, plus have arthritis. I can't imagine running for an hour even when young and healthy! Certainly couldn't now. BUT I did do a lot of exercises as part of my rehab. Learned from this forum, actually, about a book called Treat Your Own Knees by Jim Johnson, and highly recommend it. The other thing I did when it was still difficult even to walk was use a pedal exerciser, and this helped with strengthening muscles, still use it occasionally if I feel I haven't had enough exercise certain days. I wouldn't have lasted through even one session of what you describe!
I injured my knee last Autumn as I was out walking and walked straight into one of the stone posts, instead of the gap between. I have double vision and wear a prism on my specs. I think it affects my special awareness. My physio thought it was bone bruising. I found that it was painful to walk except for short distances, and couldn’t bend my knee easily. An X-ray showed that I also had arthritis. At the session we had a talk firstly and then had to do other exercises in between the treadmill and exercise bike. Some days I don’t get much outdoor exercise as I live up a steep hill and can’t face it! Thankyou for the book recommendation! I didn’t have one specifically for knees, but bones generally.
in reply to ClarkB
Would you mind telling me about the prism in your glasses? I’m soon to get that. Not about pmr, but your mention of that caught my eye. Thank you, Ann
ClarkB in reply to
I wear a prism in one lens Ann as I developed double vision. I worried that it was GCA causing this, but was told that my eye had weakened over time. I should have had it sorted out as a child apparently. I remember children in my class at school wearing eye patches. I have a stuck on plastic prism, as although the clear glass one looked better, the lens didn’t do the job for me. It is adjusted as my eyesight changes. The peripheral vision can be distorted, but on the whole it is satisfactory. I have to be careful with kerbs as they can appear flat, but that might be just my problem!
in reply to ClarkB
Thank so much for your reply. I too worried about GCA. Eye doctor assured me( I really harassed her about it 😒) . It is apparently an eye muscle problem . Prism on order. I don’t know if it’s one eye or two. Lens will be new. Just something new to fret about. I had wondered how it would effect overall vision. My best, Ann
Ah, the injury I had which kind of relates to that is me stupidly tripping over something in my home - about two seconds after I'd thought, oh I must put that away before husband trips over it, and then, having the attention span of a mayfly, I myself proceeded to do exactly that, slamming my knee down as hard as I could on the floor. Sending you a private message with rest of my answer.
Sounds like DOMS to me. I had the exact same thing happen last week when grandsons came over for a swim. I made the mistake of trying pickleball with them afterwards and paid for it later that evening and all the next day. Tylenol, a hot shower and rest helped.
I went through that on holiday a few weeks ago and went back each day to swim. The pain reduced and, after three weeks, I might even have developed muscles. And I did sleep better - but that is my personal exp[erience
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