yay, I’ve today seen a Rheumatologist - the first time since my diagnosis of PMR after nearly 5 years!

[Doraflora]

I was only referred to a rheumatologist following my consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon about my hugely swollen knee and subsequent diagnosis of bursitis and baker’s cyst.

The rheumy was absolutely lovely and ended up draining my knee and giving me a steroid injection. He’s also ordered more blood tests, particularly for ESR, CRP and creatinine etc.

He explained that PMR can sometimes contribute to issues like this, and he said that PMR symptoms can sometimes mimic other conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis etc. [I know: a lot of you on here will already know that]

He was also interested to hear that I had psoriasis of my scalp about 50+ years ago (I’ve had no other problem since then). I never knew there could be any connection between psoriasis and PMR.

So, that’s where I am atm. He’ll see me again in about 8 weeks and we’ll go from there.

Meanwhile, I’ve been staying on 2.5 mg of Pred for a few months now, but I’ll shortly go down to 2mg and see how I go.

[Nextoneplease]

That sounds like one very helpful rheumy Doraflora 😊

Glad he was so good and wishing you all the best for your next appointment x

[Doraflora in reply to Nextoneplease]

Aw, thank you Nextoneplease.

I felt very reassured! x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good to hear😊

[Angelsmummy]

So glad you had a good result with what seems like a good ‘un!Hope things continue to go well for you D.xx💐😜

[Doraflora in reply to Angelsmummy]

Thanks Angelsmummy. He was really lovely, so kind and friendly, but clearly knowing his job very well.

[Angelsmummy in reply to Doraflora]

Ain’t you the lucky one!xxx💐💐💐😜

[Broseley]

Psoriasis is an auto immune condition, like PMR. That's why he was interested. Mine was interested to know that I have lichen sclerosis and had previously had chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Also auto immune.

[Doraflora in reply to Broseley]

He carefully inspected my head for any psoriasis signs and he couldn’t have been any more thorough.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A few of us have come across the psoriasis link with rheumies determined that it isn't PMR but Psoriatic Arthritis. A few forms of inflammatory arthritis can present identically to PMR, it is called an polymyalgic presentation, and it is impossible to tell the difference at the start, only if joint erosion develops later. But you can develop it without a history of psoriasis, that can appear later. It has a lot more choice of management though with a whole range of biologics.

However - he sounds promising.