PMR flare or arthritis, how do I find out which?

[Mfaepink1973]

I’m tapering slowly from 1mg to .5mg prednisalone and have started with pain from shoulders to wrists when lifting anything and especially when taking my jumper off at night. I have arthritis in both shoulders which was masked by pred at higher doses. I had an operation on my foot and have to heel walk in a special shoe for 6 weeks and use elbow crutches which exacerbates the arm pain. Is there a way to tell whether it’s arthritis or a PMR flare? When the pain is really bad I take Co-dydramol which helps, would that relieve PMR pain?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If Co-dydramol helps then I doubt it’s your PMR… more likely a combination of arm crutches and OA. But do make sure that doesn’t cause your PMR to flare .. so may put the taper on hold for now. Either repeat current stage or consider going back to 1mg until you no longer need crutches.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Where exactly in your arms? Is it biceps? And when you twist your forearm? If so, that is a sign of tendinitis and for me that is part of my PMR. It is fine at 7mg but builds up over a few weeks at 6mg so the rheumy is happy at 7mg.

If co-dydramol works that would be unusual for PMR. I wouldn't taper any more until this is out of the way - crutches are probably making it even worse.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to PMRpro]

It’s in my biceps but not in forearms when I twist them. It’s worse pulling my top over my head when getting dressed and undressed and from shoulder to wrist when I pick something like the kettle up. I’ll pause my taper for now as you advise, thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mfaepink1973]

Think that sounds like tendinitis - I couldn't pick the kettle up which was a bit disastrous given how much tea I drink!!

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to PMRpro]

Disastrous for me too! I’m going to have to root out my travel kettle. I’ve googled tendinitis and it fits with my symptoms. I might see if the GP will refer me to a physiotherapist . Thanks for your help, I dread to think where we’d be without you and DL

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mfaepink1973]

I already have a tiny kettle!! Exactly the same volume as my teapot. Next stage would have been a boiling water dispenser rather than a kettle!

But 7mg pred does the job.

[Angelsmummy in reply to PMRpro]

A girl after my own heart.On average 12 to 15 cups of de caff per day.Perhaps an urn would be better,save your arms?Ah,but then it would taste stewed I guess…..x😜

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angelsmummy]

Not a problem - I make a proper pot and reheat a mug full in the microwave!!! Saves on t-bags that aren't so easy to replace here!!

[Angelsmummy in reply to PMRpro]

Oh no,!Could not imagine having to worry about tea bags,nearly as bad as being without Pred!( perhaps not on reflection!) xx😜

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angelsmummy]

I bulk buy and all vistors are asked to help if I am getting low!! European "black tea" bags are rubbish!! Just get bitter, not stronger ...

[Angelsmummy in reply to PMRpro]

“ just get bitter,not stronger” ….sounds like me.,.,xx😂🤣😂🤣😜