Newly diagnosed

[Harry8388]

I have recently been diagnosed with PMR

I have just been managed by GP not referred to Rheumatology

Is that right

[piglette]

I am so sorry you have got PMR. 75% of people diagnosed with PMR never see a rheumatologist. It is only if you have a GP who knows nothing about PMR or you have problems. Look after yourself, PMR is life changing but steroids are wonder drugs. Pamper yourself and learn to say no!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hi and welcome!

The majority of PMR patients in the UK are looked after by their GP and tend only to be referred to a rheumy if there are doubts or problems. And the waiting list at present is rather long ...

[Harry8388 in reply to PMRpro]

excellent reading and Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi and welcome

Not necessary to be referred to Rheumy unless you have complex PMR or others health issues which may make it so.

Maybe have a read through this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Harry8388 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[Miserere]

I've never even seen a GP for PMR - diagnosed over the telephone and prescribed prednisolone - managing that myself with ups and downs and also taking alendronic acid weekly. You will get there with the help of this site - so much information and great people willing to share their knowledge and experience. Good luck.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Miserere]

I concur, although I am under the care of a Rheumatologist, the experts here know more than she does, and because of them, I think I now do too. Stick with this bunch Harry, but you'll need a Rheumatologist if things go awry.

[softekcom in reply to Miserere]

That's just like me. I was diagnosed with PMR/GCA over the phone by the GP in Aug 2020 and prescribed 40 mg Pred. But I was later referred to Rheumatology, who confirmed the diagnosis though my blood tests did not show inflammation.

[Miserere in reply to softekcom]

It's a devil, isn't it? At least you are now under rheumatology, butI'm sure LemonZest11 is right - there are many people on this site who have more experience and knowledge of PMR than many of the rheumys. 🙂

[Bcol]

Morning Harry, welcome to the forum and to an ailment you, like the rest of us, had probably never heard of. I've been happily managed by my GP, but the most knowledgeable people are probably here on the forum. FAQ's are definitely worth a meander through when you have moments of time to fill and don't worry about asking questions.

[Merryfield]

Harry. Welcome and good luck. Something I have learned the hard way just today. I was overweight by about 30 lbs and pre-diabetic when I was diagnosed with pmr. Then eating almost what I wanted instead of sticking to recommended pmr diet. Been on fairly heavy steroids, which increase your blood sugar. I was just diagnosed with full/blown diabetes. So meds and immediate restricted diet. Tip: follow pmr food dos and don’ts guidelines and be careful if you are pre-diabetic and/or need to lose weight.

[Koalajane]

like you I am treated by a doctor only.

I hope you have been prescribed vitd3/calcium as well. Ask for a bone density scan before being “persuaded”to take Alendronic Acid.

Ask about anything on here. Oh when you get your d3/calcium tablets leave a couple of hours from taking the prednisolone before taking the d3/calcium.

It does help to cut carbs as prednisolone can cause weight gain and type 2 diabetes due to the sugar spikes.

Also remember to pace yourself.

Best of luck, it is a lot to take in!

[Harry8388 in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you

[Thirkelly in reply to Koalajane]

Hello. I've missed a connection with pred and adcal. Please can you tell me more? thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Thirkelly]

See this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Thirkelly in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much for this. I will look at my timetable again! Calcium needs to be separate from my Levothyroxine and i geared a lot round that. I did ask a pharmacist for help with my timetable but they were not able to help at all.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Thirkelly]

You’re welcome -surprised at pharmacy though.