Rheumatologist appt

[Monkey321]

Hi, just an update. Saw rheumatologist today, he doesnt think I have PMR (too young for that, in his opinion) and instead thinks "fibromyalgia" alongside with "mechanical issues" as ultrasound in May showed shoulder bursitis and tendiopathy, calcification plus trocherantic hip bursitis. Gave me 2 cortisone injections into shoulders and will refer me to a physio. He at this point doesn't think I have any autoimmune issues. Confirmed to taper off prednisone at 1mg every 3 days and when I get to 5 mg to drop by 1mg every month. I have to say it's been almost 2 hrs since the injections and my shoulders feel much better.

[piglette]

A good way of checking if it is PMR or fibromyalgia is to see how the steroids work. Steroids have no effect on fibromyalgia, but work like magic on PMR, while painkillers work on fibromyalgia and are pretty useless for PMR.

[Monkey321 in reply to piglette]

Thanks, I was on 30 mg prednisone and it was doing nothing, initially took major shoulder away but everything else still the same. After approx 12 wks the Dr said it wasn't likely to be PMR and to taper off. I've always taken paracetamol and it works within 20 minutes to relieve pain.

[HeronNS in reply to Monkey321]

Hopefully your new diagnosis and change in treatment are successful and you feel better soon. Certainly seems like the doctor is onto something (although your lack of luck with pred is a better reason for his opinion than being too young). Do drop by occasionally to let us know how you are doing!

[Monkey321 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you, will do. Reading the comments on here from those with PMR, I realize how hard it is for them and there are many who are having a really tough time heathwise. Mine is now not PMR tho still awaiting HLA-B27. Personally I don't think it'll be positive. I thought that test had come thru negative but that was for platelet, rheumatologist said HLA-B27 can take a few months to get back.

[piglette in reply to Monkey321]

If the paracetamol works it is unlikely it will be PMR it is helping.

[SnazzyD]

I had GCA and the steroids didn’t stop my fibromyalgia having a whinge if it was going to. As for age, there are enough people a bit under under 50 who have passed through this forum to think that age isn’t a good basis for a diagnosis. You could have a selection of issues and that could be tricky for anyone to sort through. Time will tell and at least you have some relief.

Hopefully you haven’t been on the steroids long enough for your adrenal function to be shut down too much. If they have gone a bit sleepy, you will know because the reduction plan may make you very tired. If you haven’t already, go to the FAQ’s and read up about adrenal glands. Forewarned, means less panic if it happens.

[Monkey321 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you. I've been on prednisone about 4 months now so not too long, will take still me a month to get till 5 mg then 5 more months at 5. 4, 3, 2 ,1 so all up round 10 months. It's also been a bit pointless as turned out to not be PMR but Dr thought it was originally.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That it isn't PMR may be fair enough on the evidence, including your response to paracetamol - but it ISN'T because you are too young. That is an old chestnut and, like the 2 year duration, is wrong.

[Monkey321 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, it's odd as my Dr who I assume to be nearing retirement age (here in NZ 65 yrs) is of the view that under 50's can and do have PMR. The rheumatologist today who looked younger than me (I'm 47) was of the view PMR was for older people only and I was too young. He has handed me back to Dr primarily tho will find out my HLA-B27 results and do referral to physio. (I was wrong about being negative, that was for a platelet test apparently). Why it takes so long to get results I'm not sure!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Monkey321]

Your GP probably has FAR more experience! Time to have a heart to heart with your GP - though your response to pred does suggest it isn't PMR.