Confused PMR or Thyroid

[Blodders2]

Hi all, I have been prescribed prednisolone (June 2024) for suspected PMR I felt good for a few days but still had pains so medication increased then decreased slowly over the past weeks still not feeling well having pains in calf muscles, tired, aching, I saw my GP last Friday 22nd I discussed with her that I think it could be me still undermedicated on my thyroxine, I had blood tests in July results were TSH 4.7 Range 0.27-4.5 FT4 15.4 Range 11-23 thyroxine was then increased from 125mcg to 150mcg, plan from appointment with GP 22/8 taper of prednisolone quickly over next few weeks ie 15mcg one week, 10mcg one week and then 5mcg. blood tests this Thursday TSH, FT4, (FT3 if Labs will do), Antibodies, CRP, ESR and HBA1, hopefully medication will be sorted after results. Apologies if this post is a bit long and confusing but my head is not in the right space at the moment. Your comments and input would be much appreciated.

I have also posted this in Thyroid UK

Diagnosed Hypothyroid 1991

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hypothyroid is a differential diagnosis for PMR but the signs can be very subtle as yours were at first. See how you feel on the new dose - but if the response is incomplete, it IS perfectly possible to have both, Once you have one autoimmune condition, you are more likely to develop another - or, as I like to see it, each of us has our own personal autoimmune portfolio! You have Blodders2 syndrome, I have PMRpro syndrome. Whatever - there isn't a cure, so what manages the symptoms best?

[Sillydogsmum]

Your TFTs were barely abnormal before the dose was increased, so if they come back well within normal range one could question whether this is the source of your problem. Also given you are newly diagnosed with PMR , and possibly underdosed with Pred, perhaps not a good idea to juggle about with the thyroid dose at the same time?? PS your GP has proposed a ridiculously rapid taper plan😱

[Blodders2 in reply to Sillydogsmum]

I am usually cooking on full gas when my TSH is in the very low level 0.00s and FT4 up in the higher level, as to tapering too fast on prednisolone I will be very careful will and increase as soon as I start feeling effects of PMR kicking my butt.

[Sillydogsmum]

But you said you were 'still not feeling well having pains in calf muscles, tired, aching'......so PMR may be still 'butt kicking' ??

There is pretty much a linear relationship between thyroid symptoms and their blood results. This is not the case at all with PMR after diagnosis ; this is a complete 'pain' in all senses for most of us! Ditto response to medication changes ................

[Sophiestree]

Have you been on the Thyroid forum on HU , if you give them your blood results they might come up with stuff. I also have hypothyroid and been on thyroxine for over 40 years.

[Blodders2 in reply to Sophiestree]

Hi Sophie, yes, I have posted on the Thyroid forum. Onwards and upwards as they say always something to battle 🙂

[Nannie-C]

have you ever had calcium, vit d and parathyroid (pth) bloods with all samples checked at same blood draw?

The 4 x tiny parathyroid glands live behind the thyroid but do a totally different job as they manage calcium regulation throughout the body.

Both glands can have issues at same time.

If any glands are faulty (hyperparathyroidism) then it’s treatable/curable by removing faulty glands.

Condition is sadly overlooked or results misinterpreted resulting in it being very under diagnosed leaving too many at whole body risk.

Why is is missed? Likely because it’s symptoms are so similar to other conditions like fibromyalgia, CFS and also PMR and too many Drs still believe calcium and parathyroid bloods must be raised, this is outdated as it’s the lack of an inverse relationship between them that leads to a diagnosis.

I speak as someone who had this condition overlooked and misunderstood for very many years but now sorted out 🤞🏻

[Blodders2 in reply to Nannie-C]

Thank you for info, I will look into having tests.