Update - First had Polymyalgia 2018 tapered off successfully 2020 CRP10 ESR 26. Diagnosed again July 2023 CRP4 ESR 26. Symptoms completely different (all neck, shoulders, arms) Put back on 20mg steroids. I wasn’t convinced on 2nd diagnosis so GP agreed I should taper off. Began taper, had blood tests then received a call from GP to say ESR had gone up to 33 so “confirming” I had PMR again so steroids back up, been tapering since.
Saw Rheumatologist 28/12. He said I don’t have PMR but my symptoms are from cervical spondylosis (from neck xray GP had ordered after I insisted) Rheumy told me to taper off a milligram every 2 weeks and go back to GP for painkillers or amitriptyline.
I’m beginning to think doctoring is pure guesswork? Also feel a bit annoyed to have been told to take steroids for the last 6 months for no reason?
Rheumatologist thinks my ESR went up when I reduced the steroids because I had put on weight? I had put on a stone.
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Purplelamp
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Weight can cause higher markers - but I think that is a bit OTT, gaining a stone is hardly morbid obesity! Lot of other reasons that ESR might go up and it may have been coincidence.
Everyone I know who has had PMR twice or more says every episode was different! I'd leave the jury out for now! Did the steroids help the pain?
I tried a chiropractor recently for the back pain - the pain has changed which is something but I wish HE'D stretched my muscles!!!!
If you can get to a low dose of pred and still be pain-free, it might be preferable to painkillers in the long term. Don't rule it out. I'm basically left with paracetamol due to concerns about long term effects of most NSAIDs - and it does zilch!
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Update: Finally
What’s my diagnosis?
Blood tests 'normal' but PMR symptoms
