New pain, flare or new issues?

[Mstiles]

I recently posted about new severe pain in my back, left hip, and right ankle, affecting my sleep and walking.

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with PMR and GCA. I’ve been stuck at 9 mg pred since last summer.

Last week I saw my primary care doctor’s Nurse Practitioner who said the back pain was coming from the back muscles that are under and by the shoulder blades and suggested Aleve on a limited basis because I’m taking prednisone. He also gave me some exercises. It was hard for me to tell exactly where the pain is coming from, it felt more like it was from the spine between the shoulder blades, but when he pressed the muscles they were tender and sore.

I also have new pain and swelling of the left hip and the right outside leg above the ankle which feels like a tendon.

I had blood tests for CRP and sed rate, both are right at the limit for being out of “normal” range but have been steadily increasing for the past 3 months. I have some scoliosis and also quite painful arthritis in the right knee, so consequently I’m out of alignment and off balance too.

I’ve sporadically taken Ibuprofen which helps somewhat I haven’t raised my pred, waiting to see if it’s something else causing the pain and not PMR.

Not sure where to go next. It is really affecting my walking and sleeping, the back pain is much worse when lying done.

Thanks you for any comments.

[yogabonnie]

oh gosh I haven't many suggestions..I am just so sorry you are having these issues. I think the ibuprofen with prednisone is definitely not a good idea... stomach issues can follow. Are you able to walk..at least a little distance? And do the PT. Both seem like a good idea. and perhaps gentle massage... if you can find a massage therapist it might help too. I never used to use chiropractor, but have found one who does tissue massage and never "cracks" bones etc.. he believes that you have to get the muscle to ease up before trying to push the bones in place.. hopefully you can find someone who is very gentle. Anyway BEST of luck to you. Don't give up!

[Mstiles in reply to yogabonnie]

thanks for the encouragement yogabonnie. It’s hard to figure out what’s going on.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the markers are increasing it suggests the inflammation isn't fully managed - you need a bit more pred, it may not need much.

I have similar back problems to what you describe - and Aleve would do nothing for me! I get needling from the Pain Clinic here and that has made a big difference. The physio worked on the tight and tender muscles with manual techniques which helped quite a bit but never quite got it all cleared out.

[Mstiles in reply to PMRpro]

I was told to come back if the pain persisted. Do you think I should get any other tests, x-rays, etc? The NPT just examined my back muscles, the only hands on part!) and concluded it was from the muscles, it the spine. Didn’t touch my hip or ankle or offer any relief except Aleve it “be careful with it, “ the Aleve, his words.

[Mstiles in reply to PMRpro]

I’m on 9mg, if I increase do I need to go up 5 to 14?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mstiles]

Only briefly, up to about a week to clear out accumulated inflammation. Then you drop back to the dose you choose. You may well find that 10mg does much better tha nthe 9mg that doesn't seem to be.

[Mstiles in reply to PMRpro]

thanks Pro.

[calicojoy41]

You sound like me, I am waiting for A new hip on the left side, but I had a sore on my left leg and that has to heal first. The pain is horrible and I can not sleep.

[Mstiles in reply to calicojoy41]

hard to do anything much when hurting! Hope you get relief soon.

[calicojoy41]

That is so true!!! I can't be me!

[Merryfield]

If possible, having knee replacement in arthritic knee could be a blessing. Two months of hellish recovery, then a miracle occurs and one is pretty much pain-free in the surgical knee and takes pressure of other knee as well.

[Mstiles in reply to Merryfield]

I think I may have waited too long for knee replacement surgery, I’ll be 80 in two weeks, can’t believe it myself.

[Merryfield in reply to Mstiles]

not necessarily too old. friend had it last year at 89.