Doctor thinks not pmr

[Petertaffy]

Hi just short story, I was diagnosed with PMR in March 22 I'm now on10mg of prednisolone, with the recent bloods I had taken the Dr thinks it's not pmr but rheumatoid arthritis, should I still be on steroids or something else?Thanks for reading Peter.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Which doctor and why does he think the original diagnosis was incorrect? It IS possible as LORA (late onset RA) can present identically to PMR in the early stages but there is no way to distinguish them from one another. Have they no done an anti-CCP blood test? Even it isn't perfect but if it is raised then an inflammatory arthritis is more likely in the future.

Pred is fine for the moment but they will want to introduce a DMARD of some sort and then wean you off pred since you have been on it long enough to affect adrenal function. DMARDs can take several months to take effect - and pred will tide you over the transfer.

[Petertaffy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your valuable information PMRpro.

[Golfbarmie in reply to Petertaffy]

Check out a video by Dr Dasgupta describing the real symptoms of PMR.

[Blearyeyed]

Although they usually try other treatment methods for RA , if a person is treated for it with steroids the dose is between 8-10 mg, without the endless requests for a taper.Have you had the blood tests that would help them to confirm RA ?

Is that why the GP changed their diagnosis?

It is sadly also possible to have both RA and PMR at some point in life.

I know my Auntie did.

[Petertaffy in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks for your reply, I am having my bloods done again on the 6th of October maybe they would decide one way or another. Perhaps I can have the information I need then.

[cranberryt]

I am always suspicious of an RA diagnosis instead of PMR. Too many doctors use it as a catch all. Why the change in diagnosis?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to cranberryt]

There are studies that suggest that 30% or so of GP diagnoses of PMR are not. ANd that they miss about half or so. Not what you would call a result inspiring confidence.