Flare with continued pain

[Oboes22]

Am having a horrible flare with lots of pain in left groin, thigh and hip area. GP said to increase to 6mg then 7mg if no relief. Was trying to taper 5/4.5 using DSNS. Instinct said go to 7mg but after 7 days no relief so increased to 9mg still no relief after 3days and despite taking ibuprofen still end up sobbing with the pain. Should I go to 10mg and see if pain goes. I realise if it’s more than a few days I will have to taper again slowly. I just want some relief from the pain and would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

GPs suggestion was probably not enough to to get a grip of flare, so it just increased - so yes try 10mg. And stay on increase dose long enough -so long as it’s not more than 14 days in total since you were on original dose you should be able to drop back down - but in 2 or 3 steps and to 5,5mg or even 6mg… not previous level

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Oboes22 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady. It’s now 10 days since I was on 5mg so can I only take 10mg for 4 more days and if no pain relief should I stay on it till pain goes. Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Oboes22]

If that’s the case, then you really need to touch base with GP and tell them it’s not working.

The problem with staying on the higher dose longer is you will need to reduce more slowly - not as slowly as initial dose, but slower than usual following a flare. But if it requires more to get control, then you may have to stay at higher dose - but you also need medical advice.

[Oboes22 in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you DorsetLady. I will contact my GP.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Oboes22]

Good -and ask for hip to be X-rayed to rule out OA

[Oboes22 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you I will do

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the pain is definitely one-sided, it is doubtful it is JUST PMR. a flare does tend to be bilateral. Sounds as if it could be greater trochanteric pain syndrome/trochanteric bursitis - where exactly is the pain? On the outer aspect of your thigh?

[Oboes22 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you - the pain seems to be all round my hip not in a particular place and definitely in my groin and on the front/top of my thigh and I get this intense pain sometimes on my pelvic bone that side very low. The flare was predominantly on the left side and looking back over my diary the 3 years I've always had PMR pain in my left groin. Gosh I feel I'm talking to you as if you were my GP but I so appreciate all the help and care you give on this site.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Oboes22]

Has the GP considered bursitis? Which can be part of PMR but also exist in its own right.

[Oboes22 in reply to PMRpro]

No never but I will discuss it with him. The pain seems to move and is not always constant in one area. I've asked for an appointment asap.

[SheffieldJane]

Have you had investigations for joint deterioration, it’s such a particular area of pain?

[Oboes22 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Not that area in particular but I’ve had back X-rays which my GP says show general deterioration and yes my back does get painful if I do too much gardening etc. I do have mild OA presume it’s all connected. My GP said I was flaring because I had pain around my waist and over both hips and both groins and upper arms and shoulders. Since increasing Pred all is good except for this one area.

[SheffieldJane]

I know, osteoarthritis can be such a red herring. My Rheumatologist really promotes Methotrexate for this ( and PMR) but I stubbornly resist.