PMR and Sitting?

[Ford29]

No matter what my dose of prednisone I'm having problems while driving and sitting for any length of time. If I stop and walk around for two or three minutes then it seems like I'm ok to drive again. I have tried several different seat cushions to no avail. Has anyone else had a similar problem ?

[SnazzyD]

Can you describe what these problems are exactly? It helps to zone in on which bit is the problem.

[Ford29 in reply to SnazzyD]

The discomfort is in my hip joints and legs.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ford29]

What about osteoarthritis or bursitis? Pred wouldn’t necessarily work for them..

This link gives some alternatives - and has some links to relevant exercises -

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[SnazzyD in reply to Ford29]

Could well be what DL has suggested; bursitis is a common complaint with this. Has this always been the case or did it start at some point on your PMR journey? After 18months, what dose Pred are you on?

[Pusph]

I have a stiff board like slightly curved back support which I put behind my back for driving. Helps me.

[hurryupharry]

This was the symptom that made me go to the dr. I was driving about 4 hrs to get to work, when I got there it took ages to get out of the car and I couldn’t stand up straight and couldn’t get up stairs. Are you sure that you are on the right dose of pred?

[Oh-my]

On my initial consultation with my GP they told me to keep moving and I have found some truth in this.

Since, I have not been up for the 10 hour train journey to visit my Dad. The thought of being squashed into an over crowded train unable to move fills me with dread. At least while driving you can take breaks. Breaks and short walks is the way to go.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it just when driving or sitting otherwise? It wasn't cushions that helped me but the rake of the back of the seat. I have to sit very upright with the seat fairly far forwards.

[Ford29 in reply to PMRpro]

This weekend we are going to our granddaughter's birthday, which is 2 1/2 hour drive. I am going to try to readjust the car seat and see if that helps. Thank you

[maxismall]

Yes indeed. Stiffness in legs after sitting which is relieved quite quickly by walking.PMRpro, is this another case of myogelosis?

I am not sure if it is indicative of the pred dose not being quite high enough or just another complication of living with PMR??

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to maxismall]

Probably. Mine is non-existent when I am on enough pred - though I am beginning to find my ankles are stiff after sitting with my feet up. Arthritis maybe?? I think the stiff muscles vary a lot between patients.

[Rynn33]

I have this - even at lower doses now - I do stiffen up a lot particularly in the car. Like you I found that if I take breaks every 30 mins to 1 hour and get out and walk around it helps. I'm also doing some yoga which I think is helping more generally.

[Hope_full]

Yes, I had those symptoms when my PMR first introduced itself. I thought my sciatic nerve was flaring up again. Hadn’t felt that much pain since back surgery 25 years ago. After prednisone it went away, until I was driving for awhile, ouch. Stop, walk and it was fine. It went away eventually.

[Shandylowe]

I have the same issue I can’t sit stand or walk for any length of time. I just keep alternating my positions to get relief. Everything in moderation.

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

Ford29, mine is exactly as you describe. Going on 4 years now. I find that not using a cane makes it much worse and physical therapy just made it worse for me! I hope for the best for you!

[Ford29]

I tried to adjust the car seat and still have the problem. Just need to stop and walk it off.