Stress effect on Polymyalgia

[townlands]

Hi,

I'm 73 and I've had polymyalgia since late 2019. I'd got down to 5 mg of pred and was about to taper again when in April my husband of 79 was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Foolishly I'd though he would be referred on to a neurologist and start some medication. His appointment is not until October and he's getting worse. Needless to say this is causing both of us some level of stress ! I was going along reasonably well with 5mg but this last week pain in my neck and legs is getting worse again. I went up to 7mg for the last couple of days but it hasn't quite got rid of the aches. I'm not sure whether to stay at 7mg for a week, see how it goes and then go back to 5mg. I need to find some way to control the stress and hopefully when we get to the October appointment my husband will get some help.

Any suggestions would be most helpful

[Rugger]

Could you speak to your GP and explain that the stress of your husband's diagnosis has caused your PMR to flare and you are feeling that you need to increase your dose of prednisolone? It sounds as if you may need some extra for more than a week or so. This will at least be flagged up in your records and might even help to bring forward your husband's appointment - you never know, but it's always worth asking, especially as you say he's been getting worse over the last few months.

Hoping that things improve soon for both of you.

[townlands in reply to Rugger]

Hi

Thanks for your reply and good wishes. I'll think about getting in touch with my GP, but they're not the easiest people to get to see, but I might give it a try.

[123-go in reply to townlands]

I agree with others. Please persevere with getting to see your GP who should be able to expedite your husband’s appointment. You can’t look after someone else if your own health is poor. If necessary write to your GP explaining the situation and keep notes on how things progress. Good luck.

[townlands in reply to 123-go]

Thanks so much for your kind words.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Agree with Rugger you do need a higher dose, certainly temporarily. Would suggest you up to 10mg for a couple of week, and then if that settles things drop back to 7mg.

Would also suggest you discuss the situation with your GP and ask for their help with your husband’s illness -and for yourself.

Do you have any friends or family who could help and give you a bit of respite?

[townlands in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your reply. I will continue with the increased dose and see how it goes and perhaps see my GP. I'm hoping when we see the neurologist we will get some positive outcome.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to townlands]

Okay .. but if appointment is a couple of months away - that’s a long time for you and your PMR.

Is there a local PD supprt group in your area?

localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk

There’s also a forum on HU as well -here if you haven’t already found it-

healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

[townlands in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks again for your suggestions.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Agree with the others - insist on a GP appointment! At least with the nurse because they can also arrange the right sort of contacts for you.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Hi Townlands, so sorry that you are having such a stressful time. My husband also has Parkinsons, it's scarey and a shock. He was diagnosed young (53) and is still going strong, lucky that the decline has been very slow, the medication has be really helped enormously and I do hope that you manage to get your husband's appointment brought forward for both your sakes. There is some help out there as DL has posted. Can you look to see if there is a Parkinsons nurse covering your area, they aren't everywhere but if you have one in your area please contact them for advice and reassurance. Take care.

[townlands in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Thanks for your reply and good wishes. I'm hoping that once my husband can get some medication that things will improve greatly.

[Sophiestree]

Definitely increase your pred as others have said, but re your husband, I would ring the hospital department directly or if you know the consultant, ring their secretary and explain he has declined rapidly and you feel he needs treatment sooner rather than later in a "please help me" kind of way.

[Louisa1840 in reply to Sophiestree]

Yes! Good advice - the squeaky wheel gets the oil!

[Louisa1840]

I do so feel for you Townlands! I have personal experience of stress when on pred. You can see my past posts if you wish? Put your pred up to a level at which you feel comfortable again remembering there are no medals for getting lower than you need. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you.

[townlands in reply to Louisa1840]

Many thanks for your advice and kind thoughts.

[Hulotsholiday]

I’m sorry to hear of you difficulties and hope you can get a potential flare back on line. A thought about your husband’s appointment. Could you phone the consultant’s secretary ( with best apologetic, I know how busy you all are etc head) and explain that your husband is getting worse and it’s causing you some health problems. His appointment isn’t until October but could a note be made that you’d be happy to take a short notice cancellation appointment if one came up. A sympathetic secretary is sometimes a possibility for earlier consultation. Good luck.