Why so much pain suddenly

[Everett19]

Had PMR several years and cope most of the time with medication which keeps it under control to an acceptable level.Suddenly over the last few days I am in so much pain it's debilitating. I can barely walk, have so little energy, feel constantly exhausted and generally under the weather. My whole body feels bruised to touch and have limited strength in my hands. I'm feeling quite depressed and although I sleep badly most nights the last few have been particularly bad. Here I am at 2 a.m. sitting in armchair writing this having given up on trying to sleep.

I'm struggling to cope with my husband's health issues too, especially as he's in denial that there's anything wrong with him and won't get medical help. I just feel so alone with it all and think I would be better on my own as it's just so draining and I don't have strength to carry on living like this. I'm binge eating and the weight is going back on which doesn't help my physical or mental health.

Due repeat blood tests so hopefully it might explain what's going on.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

sorry to hear you are such a bad way.

You did post about 3 months ago, when we did suggest it could be adrenals or a flare or a combination of both.

You did increase Pred as advised by GP, but not sure whether that helped…did it?

I would say that [apart from the pain] your current issues [fatigue, sleeplessness] sound very much like your adrenals are struggling…. I did send a link to your previous post. But have attached again -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

But have as you also have pain in legs and hands that could indicate a flare- or perhaps something else totally unconnected to your PMR - so you really do need to see medical advice.

Please contact your GP as a matter of urgency and tell them how you feel and request a basal cortisol test to gauge the state of your adrenals.

[Everett19 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your advice. I will speak to my doctor but she'll say wait and see what the full blood tests show. I've been fully investigated health-wise so medical profession well aware of my situation. Increase in meds nit really helped as not a big enough increase I don't think. We'll see.....

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Everett19]

Not a big enough increase is a waste of time -but some doctors are loathe to be bold!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't underestimate the effect the stress if your husband's illness can have on you - I know whereof I speak! Including the lack of taking responsibility on his part! I had to go up to above 15mg to be able to cope and function while my husband was ill and he was still claiming he was fine and eating etc a week before he died, Because he was in denial about having problems. it all came back onto me. We survive, we get the other side.

You haven't mentioned your problems with your husband before - how ill is he? Have you spoken to your GP about it? They can't discuss him with you without his permission which presumably isn't likely to be forthcoming under the circumstances but they can discuss the effect it is having on you and be aware if they DO get any access to him. It's fine if you don't want to talk about it in the forum - fully understand that.

[Body_bonkers]

All these things make pain worse and PMR is bad enough when you are in better condition. You must focus on your needs first - it may seem selfish but you won’t be able to care for your husband otherwise (if that’s what you want to do). Be really honest with the GP about your struggles and hope you get help soon