So had pmr for many years started on pred 25mg. Down to 3 back up to 8.Always had Psoriasis. Then 6 months ago swollen middle finger , more pain in wrist hands thumb shoulder and hips .hmmmm
So months of trying to see doc fighting past receptionist finally see specialist in rumatoid.
So it's apparently gone from pmr to psoriatic arthritis.
Keeping me on pred for few months and next week start on methotrexate. Ho this is going to be fun .
Sorry to hear that, there’s plenty of info on MTX in the FAQs, and there are other HU forums which may be of help to you….just have a look…
Psoriatic arthritis can present looking like PMR, what is called a polymyalgic presentation but in anyone with a history of psoriasis they should consider that before plumping for PMR. I do hope the MTX works well for you - it often does in PsA. However - there are 10 different biologics approved for the treatment of PsA, they start with a DMARD (MTX) but if that fails then they usually move on to the TNF-inhibitors. It isn't a one horse race like PMR!
Well when frist told I had pmr. Pred worked fantastic cut pain to zero. Not till I got a fat finger and more pain over few weeks did I look into it . To be honest if I had managed to se specialist frist time problem may have been earlier. Just hoping the new meds sort it with to many side affects. Having frolic acid as well . At this rate you may be able to use me as a rattle lol
Pred also works in other things - and PMR is not the actual disorder, it is the name given to a set of symptoms due to an underlying cause. There are several such causes including cancers. The cause for most of us here is probably an autoimmune vasculitis of some sort, it isn't clear, just the effects. What is becoming clearer is that it is not a single cause with a single treatment approach and journey. Unfortunately, many doctors aren't aware of the nuances and pitfalls. And that doesn't only include GPs.
Hi Hageman, I too was diagnosed with PMR and the steroids worked like a miracle on the pain. I have always had very dry skin and over time the itchy scales spread and my fingers. toes and ankles became red and swollen. The diagnosis of Psa was made , the doctor started me on Salfasalazine because of previous liver problems ( OK now) which had little or no effect on the Psa, so MTX was started. The improvement in my skin and joints is remarkable. I am currently on 5mg pred daily and 20mg of MTX weekly. I'm lucky to have no side effects from any of the medication now. I have monthly bloods to check my liver, and next see the Rheumy in April, when hopefully I'll be able to start reducing the meds. Hope all goes well for you.
Hi I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2019 previously having been diagnosed with PMR which after steroids for two years cleared and I was able to get off same however I then had stenosis of my spine and underwent surgery for same which was successful. I had suffered with iritis/uveitis for many years flaring from time to time and also psoriasis as a combination of all these was told that I was now suffering psoriatic arthritis and steroids I was taking did not work so advised to try Methotrexate. I first took tablets once a week and folic acid for six days excluding the day I took the methotrexate. Because of sickness with same was changed to subtaneous this has worked for me and my dosage is 25mg with blood tests now three monthly. The methotrexate has worked for me in that I am mostly pain free so can recommend same in that respect but question the longer term effects. Hope that you are able to cope with same if you take same.
Thanks for reply more info the better . I am hoping tablets don't affect me . As having injection one a week at docs may be a pain as I am self employed and getting in is not easy . But have been warned tablets upset my stomach. Fingers crossed . I do hope you stay in a good Ballance with meds .
Yes as PMRpro as told you self admixtures and very easy after instruction. Hope all goes well for you.
I have no problems with methotrexate tablets Try to be positive and start them. If they upset you ask for the injections. It sounds like others have great pain relief from it which has got to be our objective in life. Good luck fingers crossed.
Just a cautionary thought. I had what I thought was Psoriasis confined to my feet for years. It would flare up quite severely. I was all set to be treated for Psoriac Arthritis when I visited a Podiatrist. She took a scraping from my feet and there and then was able to diagnose Athletes foot. I used Lamisil Once and it cleared completely. I can’t tell you how unsightly and irritating/painful it was - red, scaley even swollen toes on one hot day. I now maintain my pretty little feet with a moisturising gel. I would have been subjected to unnecessary strong drugs had it not been for my Podiatrist. I had no idea that Athletes Foot could behave in that way. I am not sure if there are any definitive diagnostic tools for Psoriac Arthritis or if it is just observation and symptom assessment.
Well I have it on both knees both elbows. And right leg one few other parts non on my feet thank heaven.
obviously your case is different. I am never sure where to share my shock. Good luck for successful treatment going forward.
Well I think it's ways best to share anything even if only one person gets the information they Need its worth it many thank hope you stay well
Hi this is interesting to me as I have just had a Rheumy appointment & we discussed Psa for the 4/5th time over the last 6 years or so. I have had psoriasis for 50 years (genetic) no swollen fingers but constant injury & minor tears in tendons & muscles. Also OA in feet, hands, knees & recent mri showed facet joints in lower back. Anyway … my PMR seems to have gone & and as some of you know I take minimum dose of pred at 3.5 for Adrenal Insufficiency. Rheumy suggesting Methotrexate or Leflunomide & am to have discussion with specialist nurse in February. I’ve always steered away from more drugs but sometimes wonder if I would have avoided AI if I’d taken Methotrexate earlier. Am very concerned about the side effects. Rather putting my head in the sand over this decision. It would be wonderful if it helped my “injuries”, the skin I have lived with for so long I guess it doesn’t worry me too much though it does get very irritated in the summer.
Well I have been told that if tablets give lots side affects the. Injection is the way to go . I am starting on 15mg hopefully next week . Hoping it helps with the pain . I know it's going to be a long haul. As of 15 days ago I am tea total as well as I know mex is heavy on the liver and kidney . But fingers crossed . Hope you get sorted to .
good luck to you I really hope it helps. Do keep us informed of your progress.
Many thanks I will definitely update on the drugs and how the affect me or improvement
Well update on PSA and drugs 3ed week of methotrexate and frotic acid . So far I get a itcy skin couple hours after mex. Next day sometime head bit foggy other than that all good .Interesting pain has got worse last few days . Takes 6 weeks to start working so hers hoping. Not sure if pain is still pmr as well . Time will tell. Keep safe people's
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