is it a flare?

[Reddev]

have been taking 1 mg of prednisolone.. I have now had awful pain on one side of neck and shoulder… enough pain for tears…saw doctor who gave me amitriptylibe, codeine… with no effect .. blood results came back CRP 8 ESR 29. I have taken 5 mgs pred for 5 days now with not much help. Do you knowledgeable people think it could be a flare and should I up the pred? Thank you

[SnazzyD]

Hello, the usual boring question first, had you been doing anything with that side. For example unusual or extended activity with that arm?

Did it come on suddenly or did it brew?

[Reddev in reply to SnazzyD]

No nothing different to normal. I just woke up with the awful pain. I am aware that it is usual to have both sides affected but this is just one.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

And I'll add the other usual question - does sternocleidomastoid muscle problems fit with it?

youtube.com/watch?v=_BGczs_...(Not working as expected?)

youtube.com/watch?v=eD3Ds3G...(Not working as expected?)

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

Possibly it could be but would the pain killers have helped. Because I’m getting no relief.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reddev]

Not necessarily - Try the exercises but they won't help immediately, takes time.

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

Having looked at the video.. if I touch the mastoid area there is pain.. following the muscle it hurts…so could very well be that. I get a lot of pain on turning my head right .. the pain goes right down under the shoulder blade. It is so savage brings tears to my eyes. I took 10 mgs of prednisolone this morning. … should I stick to my five for a few more days and then go back to my one mg. Thank you. Just speaking to someone has brightened me up a little bit.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reddev]

See if it helps - the attachments are sore. the attachments may be inflamed due to PMR, almost certainly inflammation so it could do.

[SnazzyD in reply to Reddev]

Not always ! I have had this issue often.

[Angelsmummy]

morning Reddev,sorry to hear of your pain.It always sets worrying off with head/ neck pains doesn’t it?I too have this,but because it was one of the main symptoms that I had with GCA I worried.But setting all that aside,,I have seen an osteopath about this and just after last weeks visit,the pain is noticeably less.Still there,but less!Am due to go again today.Maybe worth seeing an osteopath to see if it helps you,if you are ruling out a flare?Good luck,xx💐😜

[phoebesmum]

hi Reddev, I take Codeine for my arthritis pain too. I recently received a new pack and the instruction was (though this may be different for you) 2 tablets UP TO 4 times a day, AS NEEDED. If you don’t already have Codeine prescribed, ask your GP about your suitability.

I took two late yesterday afternoon (last resort for me as they ‘bung me up’ if you get my drift!) and yes, the pain was gone within an hour, but my shoulder s nw very painful again. However, no tears yet, so I will hold off - as I say, it’s a last resort for me. I have other natural remedies that I take daily and they help.

Good luck.

[Reddev in reply to phoebesmum]

Thank you. I think my pain is more polymyalgia than arthritis. But have taken them as I live in hope for some relief.

[Freya32]

Hallo Reddev,I have exactly same thing? My right shoulder and neck. But all that R shoulder arm and elbow is so painful.

I uppedmy pred from 2 to 4 . A bit helpful but not much.

Neck is certainly easier.

(I need a new R.shoulder really but can,t have one. too old and heart says no and the dear man who did my left shoulder( 8 yrs ago) so wonderfully well has retired. I bless him every day.

I got some spray pain thing from amazon but the spray bit is useless so I tip the stuff into left palm and try to put it on like that.

It is called Eelhoe joint relief pain. It's just herbal stuff including myrhh in it. ( I have great faith in the power of myrhh). didn't want something such as ibuprofen that would interfere with my other drugs.

The little bit I manage to get in place does help ease the pain. An ointment form would be easier to manage. If there is one.

My pain is certainly easier today

Maybe something similar might help you.

If you can walk and go out then the chemist might have something helpful.

If you have an other half then get him to put it on for you.

Anything you put on the skin reaches it's target.

It's a miserable pain so you have my sympathy but it will get better.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Freya32]

Have you tried Flexiseq? That is drug-free and several people on the forum swear by it for arthritis.

[Freya32 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRproNot recently. Friend sent me some once.

Thank you for reminding me.

[Freya32]

Just a thought. Have you got comfy pillows?