My symptoms started about 6months ago-general bilateral aching, sweats and high temperatures. I am very stiff when getting up in the morning and after any period of rest. My biggest problem has been daily high temps-about 39.4 which are followed by drenching sweats. No redness or joint swelling but CRP is 75. I have my first rheumatology appt next week (referred by oncologist who excluded anything worse). Am wondering if you think my symptoms sound more like pmr than RA? Any advice for my first appt would be welcome too.
Written by
Granv1lle
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Yes, I'd say PR is probably more likely than RA - but you can never tell as LORA (late onset RA) can present looking identical to RA in the early stages. However - with the drenching sweats, they should also consider GCA or LVV (large vessel vasculitis).
PMR is not really possible to diagnose as such. Basically it is diagnosed when it is found that it could not be anything else! Sometimes it is fairly obvious by the symptoms but doctors can still be wrong. The best check is to take steroids for a week and see if you feel better.
This is my intro post on PMR/GCA for new patients, night be worth having a look at and see what strikes a cord with you... and might give you some idea of what to ask. But a trial of steroids should most certainly be on the cards...
One would need to know the results of a ton more tests as to have any clue as to your diagnosis. Recurrent high temperatures are not really a feature of PMR. I would have thought that a trial of steroids was not on the cards just at the moment. Something infective or inflammatory is likely brewing though. Oncologist??
Thanks for your reply, Sillydogsmum. I have had a very comprehensive raft of blood tests-all normal apart from slight anaemia and very high inflammatory markers. The GP then wanted to rule out lymphoma as some enlarged glands showed up on CT scans so I got initially referred to oncology. A bone marrow was clear so I’ve been discharged for oncology and referred to rheumatology. It is the very high temperatures that baffle me too but the medics I’ve seen so far don’t think I have an acute infection going on so likely inflammatory.
Adult onset Stills disease which was diagnosed in 1979 started with afternoon fevers, rashes, headaches, sore throat and joint pain. All these years on and I regularly experience this effect between 3 and 6 pm - I know, odd isn’t it. Even during the menopause years the two sets of fever/flushes were distinguishable from each other. Sadly I can offer no explanation or advice, I simply have to lie down until it stops.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Newbie
PMR - yes or no
Fevers and night sweats
Question 
Is this a relapse?
