Goldenlump

[Goldenlump]

Seasonal greetings to all

I think I’m having a flare due to a combination of things. Anxiety about next year holidays & my physical fitness & loss of muscle strength. Eating unhealthily & over indulgence, got a throat virus so been lazy indoors with no exercise for 5 days. As a result my arthritic knees are stiff but what worries me is the lower back pain I’m experiencing. It even hurts in my back when I cough when lying down or moving in bed. I hope this is PMR muscular pain that will pass. I’ve upped my Prednisolone dose to 5mg (I’m down to 3mg now) for the last two days & am finding some relief using a TENS unit. Any advice will be gratefully received.

[SnazzyD]

It sounds like you have a viral infection like many over Christmas. This can set alight all sorts of old issues annd their pains like arthritis or old injuries unrelated to PMR. Did the back issue start with the coughing? Is it possible you have tweaked something with the coughing? That is not to play it down. You may not be flaring but it is still sensible to the sick days increase nevertheless.

[Goldenlump in reply to SnazzyD]

I saw my GP she said it’s probably arthritis & to find a way to live with it. Gave me some double strength Voltarol gel - that I found useless. So I’m listening to my body, using heat, my TENS unit & gentle exercise. Just going to get on with it & adapt. Happy new year.

[SnazzyD in reply to Goldenlump]

Hmm. When you feel better it might be worth asking, arthritis of what bit exactly. The fact that it has come on suddenly needs a bit more thought I think. Did it start with the virus?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think the UK is sinking under viral infections - you are not alone! Any infection can wake up PMR and any other hibernating issues from the past. I agree with Snazzy that you may have tweaked something while coughing - and the fact you get some relief using a TENS unit does suggest it isn't directly PMR. It can take a couple of weeks to recover from a virus - patience.

And why are you worrying about next year's holidays? That isn't the idea of a holiday!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good advice given, so won’t repeat.

But can I request that you don’t give your post the title of your name, that comes up anyway.. see this for next time -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Pixix]

if you have anxiety about next years holidays now…some time beforehand I would think, talk to whomever you are going with, & amend or cancel them (holidays plural in your post) now. Holidays should never cause anxiety, & if sufficient to mention here, it means you need to do something to change your situation, I suggest! Don’t bottle up your anxiety, talk to your partner, family, whoever, now!!

[Nextoneplease in reply to Pixix]

Oh so true, Pixix, but so hard, I find, to do! I hate effectively stopping my husband from doing what he wants and needs, so I have two tactics: First, I encourage him to go away at least once a year on his own, with friends. Second, I try to preempt his plans for us with something I might be able to manage with less anxiety (even if it is just cinema visits or meals out!)

Good luck all, festive times can be very challenging, with or without infection etc x