Relapse 3 years later?

[Purplelamp]

Had PMR, treated sucessfully. Came off Pred completely October 2020. My ESR was 26 at that time and rheumatology ordered repeat bloods. Had the bloods. Never heard anything else so presumed I was cured.

3 years later last few months awful neck & shoulder pain, finger joints swelling, neck cracking so been seeing a private physio. I have arthritis in my spine & hands.

Went to GP as no improvement with physio and he ordered bloods. ESR still 26. He says I have relapsed and put me back on 20mg Pred. I am female aged 60. If my ESR has stayed the same for the last 3 years I am wondering if it really is PMR or just arthritis?

First day on 20mg today. Neck still hurting so far.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Difficult to say - everyone I know who has had PMR twice says that the episodes were totally different. What else did the GP look at in the bloods?

[Purplelamp in reply to PMRpro]

He did my CRP which he said was normal. Spoke to a consultant I know and they said ESR of 26 is borderline. Just baffled as at 26 its the same as when I came off Pred the last time and my neck & shoulders didnt hurt this much then. Just wondering if its old age rather than PMR.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Purplelamp]

Should have been doing a load more than that to rule out an inflammatory arthritis being a possibility.

It COULD be a muscular problem if it is just neck and shoulders - myofascial pain syndrome could do that.

[SheffieldJane]

You must be gutted after thinking you got rid of the blasted thing. I know I am fortunate but my NHS Rheumatologist would have given me a raft of tests. X Rays, Ultrasound scan etc. I know this because she did and found non Cranial GCA. We must not allow ourselves to be dismissed these days. Good luck! X

[Purplelamp in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you xx We’ve had no GP at all for the last 3 years here. Just managed to find a new one this year.

[jls93]

Personally, for what is worth. My first "episode", dx w PMR 51 ish years old lasted about 5 yrs including a slow taper at the end. Well it seemed to be in remission for about 6yrs. Until 2018. Since then and with the education provided by this group I am fortunate to reduce to 2mg of pregnisone and weekly Humira (USA), my situation has stabilized.Be well,pursue your health.

Sincerely

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jls93]

"lasted about 5 hrs"????

[jls93 in reply to PMRpro]

5 Years. My error. Thankyou

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jls93]

Fingers with a mind of their own and then autocorrect jumps in!!!!

[jls93 in reply to jls93]

Exactly, my appologies..great catch. Appreciate your vigilance, diligence and contributions. Very sincerely

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jls93]

No apology needs - I just wanted to be sure the 5 was right - I assumed the years!!!