I’ve been struggling for the last month or so with increased pain trying to figure out the cause.
Diagnosed 3 years ago with GCA/PMR, GCA in occipital area.
I’m at 9 mg pred and haven’t tried increasing the dose yet.
I’ve suddenly got pain I both hands, seems to be in the big joints nearest the fingers and severe pain in the left shoulder. Have had shoulder pain in both shoulders anyway but this new pain woke me up.
I see my GP again in two days to go over X-rays of hips and back as that was where this new pain first appeared.
Can PMR cause this new pain in both hands?
What else should my GP be looking for?, (in our 20 minute appt.)
GP prescribed Tylenol with codeine but took me off it because of possibly affecting the liver, then Tramadol but that caused constipation. Both seemed to help most of the pain, but not all
In feel like I’m falling apart as every part of my body has a problem and is hurting now and it all seems overwhelming.
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Mstiles
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Do you mean the pain is in the knuckles? The joints at the base of the fingers? That is a typical place for arthritic pain and if painkillers help that would support that theory.
The other pain could well be that the PMR is still active and you have gone to slightly too low a dose of pred and the inflammation is building up again to a level that is causing symptoms.
I’ve got Voltaren (Diclofenac) topical ibuprofen cream and an herbal cream. The Voltaren helps but doesn’t last very long, not all night for sleeping. Im also having swelling and pain around the outside of the right ankle
I haven’t tried the Flexiseq. Guess I might end up having to increase pred in the end of some of the pain is not just arthritis.
Flexiseq is only for osteoarthritis really and not cheap but it does work well and is safe.
Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle could be peroneal tendinitis - I was bothered by it last summer and it can take a long time to heal, Have you asked the GP?
I have dreadfully painful thumb joints & have to wear thumb splints all the time atm. As I decreased steroids everything else got worse! The steroids were masking bad osteoarthritis in my hands & feet. I’ve bought some Flexiseq & about to try it. Sadly, I can’t take ibuprofen, but if you find painkillers help, then that could be your answer! I also have two large swellings on outside of ankles…one was sprained ankle (fell off rockery a few weeks ago), but the other is the same. Doctor said it’s fluid & he may draw some off some time. How about talking to him about the stress this is all causing you, & how you feel overwhelmed…you have been honest with us…why not share that with him/her…they may be able to help in that area, too? Try to eat properly, & take gentle exercise, & relax, I would suggest?!
Thank you so much Pixix for your kind and caring reply. I’m not one to share my feelings with others even with my therapist! I lost my best friend 2 years ago and at 80 it’s not easy to replace a long time best friend. This forum has been a godsend, a place where it’s OK to share woes
Anyway I hope the flexique works for you and you can discard the splints. They must be really annoying. I’m an artist and love drawing and the hand pain is starting to interfere.
Thank you for the helpful and sympathetic response.
You’re right…& my best friend has just had Covid! But she wasn’t as I’ll as if she had the ‘flu & is fine now! It’s not easy to share feelings sometimes, but I think it’s good, & medical people will try & help with that, too. It’s what they are there for! I’ve gained 8 named ‘diseases’ in the past 4 years & fully understand the overwhelming feeling it brings! Plus the ‘which of my 8 diseases is causing this particular pain.!!!’ Takes a bit of dealing with…& now the consultant thinks I have number 9 & possibly number 10 disease! But I’m finding out there’s far worse things than PMR, that’s for sure! Take care & keep calm! I played the piano, gardened, baked & crocheted, & have been told to stop them all (but I still garden & crochet, albeit with splints on & for shorter lengths of time! Sadly, if you do have OA & it worsens you may have to adapt, but, hopefully, not give up your drawing! Hugs, S xx
You’re absolutely right, I have a unique immune system which proudly produces Pixix syndrome! Well, tbh, I wouldn’t wAnt anybody else to put up with this lot! It’s naff (polite words!) I’m having a job getting used to the frozen fingers & toes of Raynauds & the dislocating & subluxating joints of hypermobility! I find it interesting that a consultant can diagnose you, give you a brochure to read & say there is no treatment! As he gave me the brochure he showed me the door!! It’s a good life if you can keep smiling! S xx
Amusing, if you have a warped sense of humour, with reflection, I think I was angry at what I perceived to be a lack of professionalism! Dr Google & the Hypermobility charity website are teaching me what to do when your thumb dislocates! S x
I am now off Prednisilone but still on Methotrexate. I have been experiencing pain in my fingers and thumbs. I am having op for Carpal Tunnel soon and have been given exercises. Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
I take Paracetemol in the day and Codeine at night. Also been advised on this forum to use Flexiseq. I feel like you ‘that everywhere aches. Have decided it’s not so much fun being 80 yrs old. !, Hope you begin to feel better soon.
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