bursitis

[Bubble56]

Happy and healthy New Year everyone.

I am down to 1mg of pred and have developed, what my osteopath says, is bursitis . Also arthritis has flared up in my feet. I saw a nurse practitioner who said take painkillers to manage it and that because of the reduction in steroids this has all flared up and will most probably settle down again . She seemed very knowledgeable and experienced. I’m not sleeping because of the bursitis and don’t know whether I should increase the steroids again or not. I’m feeling well and not “ Polymyalgic” in the slightest. What should I do???

Many thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Well plain painkillers don't touch my bursitis!! If you have bursitis there is a chance it is the underlying PMR that is feeding it and the lowering of the pred let it out of the bag, Where is the bursitis - you don't say.

The feet problem is a bit of a conundrum - it COULD be OA appearing at the lower dose of pred but it could also be synovitis due to PMR. And frankly - I have always said that if 2mg pred kept OA symptoms under wraps, I'd far rather take that than most painkillers which you need more of, don't work as well and have their own long term adverse effects. Interestingly, my doctors here don't turn a hair at my pred dose if it works so I don't need other drugs. Which must say something! They are particularly averse to NSAIDs longterm because of renal risks.

[Bubble56 in reply to PMRpro]

It’s in my left hip. So basically you are saying go up to 2mg and stay there for a while, are you? I don’t experience any side effects at 2 mg and although I’m keen to get off steroids completely I would rather live without the pain. Btw, the podiatrist says I do have OA in my feet and I have very distorted fingers. Arthritis runs in my family.

Thank you for your reply.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bubble56]

If it makes a difference I would, It does suggest your PMR is still lurking so you might as well make use of the pred in my book at least.

[Monkey321 in reply to Bubble56]

Hi, I sympathize with you, I have no advice, sorry, as I have bursitis in both hips and both shoulders, and I know just how painful it is. Nights are worse too so it interrupts sleep. I according to rheumatologist have fibromyalgia (tho who knows as Dr reckons PMR). My favorite and essential bedtime mate is a hot water bottle. I have 1 which is like a long sausage shape so I lie on my side and it goes from my neck to down my legs. Without that, I'd struggle to get comfortable. Physio recommended cold treatment but for me, it's only heat that helps. I wish you all the best.

[Pixix]

I’m on 2mg & have had bursitis for two years now, left side. First year I had a steroid injection & it worked for four months. This time the injection only worked for two weeks! I’m on heavy pain medication for other medical issues…tramadol & buprenorphine patches. They help absolutely everything else, but not the bursitis! Mine gets worse as the temperatures fall, not so bad in the summer. Heat pads help, & electric blanket. As I reduced steroids I started to find I had worsening OA, too. The consultant explained that higher pred was masking & helping the arthritis. The lower I get the worse the arthritis…but that’s not right, really, I feel! As I taper the extent of my arthritis appears, also, it’s naturally worsening as I age (I’m 67). My parents both had bad OA, especially in hands,thumbs, wrists, where mine is bad (also toes). 5mg did not help the OA (had to go back up twice due to sickness), & neither does 2mg. I’m going to try 1.5mg from Monday. I feel it’s a matter of disguising what’s causing the pains…PMR, OA or bursitis.

[Bubble56 in reply to Pixix]

Snap!!!! I could have written exactly the same- age is the same- inherited OA- symptoms etc. I feel your pain, I have tried to get down to 0.75mg (broken tablets) but that is when the bursitis appeared. I have gone back to 2mg as PMRPro suggested, I have just returned from seeing a personal trainer, as encouraged by my daughter, because I don't want to end up a creakier old lady. I suspect my daughter still would like me fit enough to look after her children for a few years more 😂. Good luck Pixix

[Pixix in reply to Bubble56]

Interesting, isn’t it? Let’s hope that’s where the similarities end, for your sake, as I also have Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility, Raynauds Syndrome, Sciatica, Essential Tremor, Haemangioma (spinal), Orthostatic hypotension, Dry Macular Degeneration & Plantar Fasciitis (& have had 4 car crashes, none my fault). Keep fighting & moving & exercising, when you can, but don’t overdo it!! Well done for trying even lower doses. My doctor is happy for me to stay on 2mg, but I’d like to give them up!! Time will tell. S x

[Bubble56 in reply to Pixix]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear you are suffering so, so much! I need to stop complaining I think🤨. Take care of yourself and I wish you a happy and healthier 2024. xx

[Pixix in reply to Bubble56]

It takes a bit of getting my head round, but it’s not like there’s a choice! Thanks! No, don’t stop complaining, each person has their own stuff to put up with, or they wouldn’t be in this forum! You take care, too, & hope your bursitis isn’t too nasty…especially around 3am, when it seems to have pleasure waking me up!!!!! S xx

[Monkey321 in reply to Pixix]

You're 1 courageous lady, all the best with all your health struggles. I can relate to the 3am wake up's...such a pain!

[Pixix]

Thanks so much, but so many others have terminal diagnoses to deal with, which are in a different league to my struggles. I’m one of the lucky ones!! It’s made me realise how important sleep is, I don’t think the medical profession acknowledges how much it affects your daily life if you only get about 3-4 hours each night! S x