Is it PMR?

[Mercat]

Hi

My symptoms started in May with suspected carpal tunnel in both hands, fingers swollen, wrists sore, feels like I’ve broken my fingers some mornings , X-rays showed thumb early osteoarthritis but still await referral from July to see Orthopedics for nerve tests , however last 6 weeks I woke up with upper arm muscles in agony couldn’t get out of bed without help, not able to get dressed without help , my fine motor skills seemed weak also. Having gone to GPs numerous times all different ideas of what’s wrong with me!! Bloods done and all came back with no inflammatory markers 🤷🏼‍♀️ Physio contacted docs and suggested PMR ?! doctor has now given me 15mgs of prednisolone daily which within 24hrs made such a difference the pain in my upper arms has gone ♥️ I am left with pins and needles down one arm still but no pain or stiffness 🙏🏽 I had review next week with doc and wonder what they are going to say!?! After all they said as I was 49 it couldn’t be PMR?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

"After all they said as I was 49 it couldn’t be PMR?"

Yes but did they tell 'your very likely' PMR that!

There may be a swift about turn, but no doubt they will say "well you're obviousy Atypical!".. funny how many there are about on this forum...PMR and GCA..

Good on your physio if it does turn out to be. 😊.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

On circumstantial evidence sounds pretty PMR-ish to me - just like I was at 51 though I didn't get the pred for another 5 years. What are your ESR/CRP levels? Mine were in normal range - but elevated for me. That is more common in young patients.

If it looks like a duck ...

[Mercat in reply to PMRpro]

I have no idea what my range is the GP just said it’s normal range and nothing was elevated!? Can’t believe u didn’t get pred for 5 years 😭

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mercat]

Trouble is they don't understand normal range. Normal range is the range of levels found in 95% of the large population they used to create it, 5% are outside the normal range anyway - and it isn't a range that is acceptable in a single person, each of us has our own normal level that contributes to that range. Mine own normal is very low single figures - 16-18 is in normal range but it is very high for me.

The GP didn't recognise it - it wasn't for lack of complaining! In the end I worked out what it was likely to be - he still didn't know and referred me to a pretty useless rheumy who didn't think it was PMR but an inflammatory arthritis. Luckily the guy here is rather better

[Mercat in reply to PMRpro]

I have no idea what my normal range would be and to be honest the docs haven’t said any numbers apart from bloods are clear and they couldn’t refer me as I don’t have any inflammatory markers! If it wasn’t for the physio woman saying she thought I could have PMR I’d still be in the dark! All I know is a few days of pred have made a world of difference to me and I don’t feel as depressed as I did a few weeks ago! I will wait and see what me review with yet a different doc will say!🫣

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mercat]

What a piece of nonsense! Up to 20% of patients have low markers - it doesn't mean the symptoms aren't PMR though. If you have symptoms but no markers you could say this is an atypical something. And THEY need to be referred ...

[Lafontainepam1 in reply to PMRpro]

sounds like a duck to me!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lafontainepam1]

Quaaaack ...

[piglette]

The symptoms sound like PMR and the fact that steroids worked so well also makes it sound like PMR. Around 20% of people find their inflammation markers are not raised. You should be able to get a copy of your test results. Can you see them on-line? I went to my GP for months and was told I had a virus. In the end I went privately to a rheumatologist who diagnosed PMR in about thirty seconds and gave me steroids.

[Seasidelass]

Im not sure why age is relative with PMR unless docs think youre too young. As far as Im aware PMR can strike at any time, but glad your meds are working and youre feeling better.

[Bcol]

Given the way Pred has worked I would hope that whichever doc you see goes with the PMR diagnosis. The doctor doesn't have to refer you anywhere, around 75% of us are managed by our own GP's. Probably worth having a peruse through some of the FAQ'S on the forum and taking some notes/print outs with you for your next appointment. Hope the Pred continues to do its stuff and good luck with your next appointment.