Aching arms

[WarmVelvet]

I have had PMR for 3yrs and had a couple of flares. Gradually got down to 5mg. Have done some yoga and gentle circuit training. (Due to bone condition)Walking has been no problem. My arms have started to ache have been for the last month and just accepted it. Have now got a chest infection. Should I just persevere or take more pred. Have had Dexa scan have osteopenia also take Alendronic Acid and Vit D. Would really appreciate your help. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are the arm pains similar to pre diagnosis? if so , you may have gone a bit too low on your Pred, and have they got any worse over the last month?

Maybe treat as aflare - see linked post and then drop back to 5.5mg [not 5mg as that appears not to be enough] once pains sorted. If the increase doesn't help, then it may not be PMR, and no harm to taper will have been done, but you might need to think of other causes.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Sorry to hear about chest infection, has that been addressed with GP? Antibiotics? Plenty of TLC whilst you have it.

[WarmVelvet in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. Yes have been prescribed antibiotics and have had a chest X-Ray. Will check for blood calcium levels levels next week.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Had you reduced the dose shortly before the arm aches appeared? I am currently on 7mg pred and Actemra which has got me from 19mg to the 7mg pred. However, if I try 6mg, after 2 to 3 weeks I develop biceps pain, probably biceps tendinitis, that then spreads down to my forearms so that I can't make any rotational movements with my wrists, like opening a door with a ball door knob, opening jars and so on. And eventually the bicep pain makes lifting even mugs of tea and glasses of wine too uncomfortable. That isn't on!!! Back at 7mg after a few days higher and all is well again!

However - if you are on alendronic acid - are you ONLY taking vit D or also a calcium supplement? AA sequesters calcium to the bones preferentially - and that can result in a low blood calcium level and that can lead to muscle aches and pains. It might be worth getting your blood calcium level checked.

[WarmVelvet in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. I have booked a blood test next week for markers will also ask for a blood calcium test as well.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WarmVelvet]

Are the markers for the PMR or the current chest infection? They will be raised because of that, especially the CRP. ESR and CRP are very non-specific and are affected by most infections as well as injury and inflammation from other sources. Might be worth leaving it a bit longer.

[WarmVelvet in reply to PMRpro]

Markers were for the PMR will leave the blood test for 4 weeks if it gives a false result due to the chest infection.Thank you for your advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WarmVelvet]

It is very likely to. Hope you get over the chest infection soon.

[WarmVelvet in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you.