Environmental or Psychological aspect of PMR?

[itsnickers]

Twice now, when I go away to visit family and where I have land and plan to retire, after a day most all of my symptoms go away. My question/conversation is: could this be because of environment aspects or psychological thoughts OR perhaps just a change?

Background Info on ME: Just over two years with PMR, started at 20 mg pred and put up to 40 mg to get full relief. Have seen 3 different Rheums with 3 different diagnoses now (PMR, RA, Inflammatory Arthritis). I have refused Methotrexate, etc. even through literal threats by Rheum. I have continued working throughout. I am now at 1.5 mg with pain in morning until around 10:30 a.m. and starting again at 7 p.m. I have pain in shoulders, hips, neck, hands. My taper has been on my own advice, advice from this website, and from the PMR book written by Kate Gilbert PhD.

Background Info on Places: I live in the USA, southwest where it is very hot and dry (altitude 1150 ft). My travels (where I feel amazing) is to Wyoming, USA (altitude 6400 ft.) where it is very cold and often more humid. (note: I LOVE the cold). Also, when we road trip there it is a LONG trip, we eat somewhat poorly (though fun), and there are still stressors.

I find it difficult to believe that a colder place would make me feel better, and I also find it difficult to believe that as powerful as my brain is, that it can cause symptoms to go away within 12 hours but I want to know what you all think as I cannot figure out why this happens........ Thanks!

[piglette]

Perhaps some research should be done. Environment can make a difference.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Actually the cooler weather may be a factor…many find too much heat is not good for their PMR….

But you say, could be psychological as well if you feel more relaxed in a different environment…

[Miserere]

I don't know the answer - but, don't underestimate the power of the mind. It may be that you, and consequently your body, relax as you get away. I'm sure Piglette is right - it would be interesting to see the results of investigations into environmental and psychological factors.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends - I prefer winter to high summer here although our winter is rarely humid. I don't "do" humidity whatever the temperature. I haven't lived at altitude - but I did feel better while skiing at about that altitude - I live at 820m/2,600ft.

But the fact it is somewhere you are happy could be a major factor.

[itsnickers]

Thank you all for your comments! PMRpro, I wondered about the 'happiness' factor too... As a 56 year old, I both want to complete more years for a 'perfect' retirement and want to just quit and move now, figure it out on the fly, and see if happiness will make me healthy again.

This of course thus proves the power of the mind as Miserere mentioned; and the power of relaxation as DorsetLady wrote.

Piglette, I agree with more research. Unfortunately here in the USA, Rheums that I have worked with will NOT even consider diet or any other factors. I cannot even begin to explain the horrific treatment I have had trying to deal simply with this condition.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to itsnickers]

My advice is take it and run - if we hadn't taken the financial cut to go very early, we would have had a very short retirement together. There is no perfect retirement - unless maybe you are very very rich so you don't have to worry, But I have been assured money brings its own problems. It is surprising how little you can live on when you don't have to dress up for work and your commute is on foot from one room to another

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to itsnickers]

Totally agree with PMRpro -there is no perfect retirement- only one where you can enjoy each others company in relatively good health.

Hubby & I had it planned out -until he suffered coronary issues aged 54 (seemingly out of the blue) which severely curtailed our plans. He did live another 17years, but he was never back to full health… which limited what we could do…

As the saying goes .. carpe diem (seize the day)..:

[strawclutching]

From what I've learned, PMR & GCA are related to stress and they were certainly a factor in my case, so once you leave all that behind, healthy mind relates to (almost) healthy body.

[whitefishbay]

Funny isn't it. When I was on holiday in Midwest USA my feet hurt (OA) but otherwise I felt great. Endorphins? Laughs? Current work not a bunch of laughs.

[Zebedee44]

it sounds to me that you have found your “happy place” and combined with the change in environmental factors your PMR fades in to the background.

I am guardian of ten acres of land in the Weald of Kent where I keep my pony and I find myself with surprising levels of energy and even strength while I am there. I have to dress more warmly when it is chilly and my jaw hurts, but sunshine and beauty and the pony give me a happy heart. Enjoy your happy place.

[123-go]

I agree with the others. The old adage, "Life is short" applies to us all and of course we realise this as we grow older. You are young compared with a lot of us here but it's never too early to live the dream if you are able to achieve that. Go for it!

[nuigini]

I too agree, retire as soon as the opportunity arises, don't wait. On the question of climate and altitude, I guess we're all different. My happy place is our air-conditioned, retirement home in hot and humid Panama during the Canadian winter. I also do well in the dry summers in Calgary, Alberta. As soon as the cold weather and/or snow roll in the pains of osteoarthritis set in and I can't wait to escape. I can't really say PMR is better or worse in either environments.

[Suffererc]

I had that effect at the start when I travelled to the coast. It didn’t last tho

[Suet3942]

The chap who services our boiler has pmr. I hadn’t seen him since last year abd he looked fantastic. He’s having cold minute showers. He’s having raw veg in the morning, nuts and raisins at lunch time and chicken or fish in the evening with loads of veg. He’s virtually pain free now and off pred and Mxt. He was trying to sell it to me but I couldn’t stand the cold showers for a start!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suet3942]

You can start just by running cold water over your lower legs at the end of your shower. I'm assured you get used to it!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

😱

[Suet3942 in reply to PMRpro]

I did try this morning pmrp (not just my legs) abd was gasping in shock! Lasted about 15 seconds. I’m a coward😂

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Suet3942]

not my cup of tea either!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suet3942]

I'd say that is pretty good as a start!!! Less cold, less time to start with - it does work.

[Nextoneplease]

Thanks for your interesting post 😊

I’m sure climate plays a part for me - dampness and humidity don’t suit me but dry heat or cold are both fine.

I agree with others - my happy place and resultant stress reduction definitely help the PMR symptoms. In my case, my happy place is with friends or family, any time, any place pretty much. I’m so much happier than I am when isolated at home, symptoms fade into the background…..

Go for your happy place as soon as you realistically can! Good luck 😊