PMR making an unwelcome return?!

[Mikeysaab]

hi everyone- thoughts and advice welcome plse. In a nutshell, I was diagnosed with PMR in 2018. Over the next two years or so I managed to taper off the Pred and have remained a ‘ PMR free’ zone since until this year. In 2023 I suffered a heart attack - very lucky and it was dealt with by angioplasty but I now remain in the meds- bisopronol, ramipril, statin and aspirin. Through 2024 I felt in good health. Then late 2024, I contracted a nasty stomach virus and have felt a number of health issues since the obvious symptoms cleared up - bladder infection, constipation ( never suffered with this in 70years) , some skin irritations and… a return of what feels like PMR symptoms. I’m seeing the doctor next week but wanted to reach out to this wonderful forum for thoughts, tips, advice. If it is PMR, I’m concerned about medication as it’s more complicated since the HA! Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sorry to hear this, and about your heart issues, which thankfully seems to be well under control.

Does sound as if virus was the final trigger for a revival of PMR, but maybe the heart issues and associated stress of last year started the ball rolling.

There are many on the same/similar medications, so doubt very much it will be a particular issue alongside Pred… just more to take. 😏

Best wishes… and welcome back.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear that - if it isn't one thing it's another isn't it?

What's more complicated because of the heart attack? I haven't had an MI but do have atrial fibrillation and your array of medications looks quite modest to me - just picked up enough for 3 months as I'm off to the UK next week so need my own personal pharmacy!! Just as well I have a very large car! There is at least one person on the forum who is post-MI and I don't think she has medication issues.

Truth compels me to mention that a change in bowel habit MUST be investigated to rule out nasties so to be honest - plain old PMR would be a positive since PMR can also be a symptom of an underlying nasty.

Do let us know how you get on.