BAD FLEAR UP OR IS IT

[redpete1]

Hi in may this year had a very bad FLEAR UP and my doctor put me on 20 mg per day I have reduced down to 8mg a day. But I have flears that last about a week the first couple of days are really bad and I can’t walk arms and back really painful. This has happened about fore time and it’s very painful the pain in my left buttock is almost unbearable. My question is this polymyalgia could it be long covid that I have suffered with for two and a half years or could it be sciatica all the symptoms seam very similar I wondered if anyone has anything similar.

Thanks redpete

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

This link shows the difference between a flare and steroid withdrawal ( which occurs immediately after you’ve reduced , but eases off) -which is what may be what you describe as happening quite regularly-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

If you do think it’s another flare it also contains advice on how to deal with it.

The buttock pain could be myofascial pain, piriformis syndrome  or sciatica - all which seem to be discussed on here regularly.

This link gives some exercises - but you need to find out exactly what it is first -so speak to doctor -

services.eastcheshire.nhs.u...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The buttock pain is very likely to be piriforis syndrome. There are stretching exercises that should improve that a bit:

spine-health.com/video/4-ea...

You can do the first 2 on the bed - doesn't have to be on the floor - I would never get up again!!

[SheffieldJane]

you poor thing! You have been through so much, no wonder you are flaring badly and suffering additional sciatica type pain. All your tribulations have Almost sent you back to the beginning with your PMR, it is so unfair. Discuss a higher dose of Pred to get you over this hump and taper very slowly and carefully in future. Also follow the sound advice on flares v withdrawal and exercises that you’ve been given. Long Covid does sound very similar to PMR, I have wondered about it myself. I hope you get back on an even keel really soon.