pmr too?

[Missbisous]

I know there’s a lot of people with PMR that also eventually get GCA too but does it happen the other way round ? I have GCA and over the last two weeks have been getting pain in both hips that keeps me awake and I can’t get comfortable so my consultant has booked me in for a pelvic X-ray But - - if I do have PMR too and I already take 20 mg prednisone and 30ml methotrexate what dosage will Ihave to take to manage the pain and flare ups of both ?

still waiting to see a doctor about the pins and needles in legs and arms …..!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes you can have PMR symptoms in GCA but to be honest - it is unlikely (not impossible) when you are on 20mg pred and MTX. Often it is present before diagnosis but for a lot of people it only appears as you get to low doses of pred. 20mg is a standard starting dose for PMR.

Pins and needles in arms and legs is not a usual feature either, Have you any other symptoms?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Certainly does..most paperwork quote following figures or similar -

PMR is observed in 40-60% of patients of GCA patients at diagnosis.

Between 16-21% of PMR diagnosed patients may go on to develop GCA throughout their PMR life.

You may have had PMR all along, but didn’t realise as higher doses would been enough to control it, and at the doses you are on now, we would probably still expect that to be the case.

Think you need a bit more investigation- but don’t rule it out. As PMRpro asks any other symptoms?

[Missbisous in reply to DorsetLady]

No just my hips. And they are not stiff in the mornings so all a bit weird to have come on suddenly !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Missbisous]

Sounds like something else then.. bursitis, sciatica perhaps. See you have X-ray booked so that may give answer. Have you tried painkillers or topical gels?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I'd wonder about a back problem ...

[Missbisous in reply to PMRpro]

Maybe but don’t think I’ve done anything to put it out.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missbisous]

You don't need to "put it out" - just stepping wrong or catching your head getting out if the car can be enough to unbalance back muscles and cause a problem

[Missbisous in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes hopefully will know more after the X-ray and have blood tests Friday - think they include rheumatoid arthritis?

[Missbisous in reply to Missbisous]

Also pain moved into the groin area..

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Missbisous]

Both sides or just the one side?

[Missbisous in reply to DorsetLady]

Pain in both hips but pain in groin one side

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Missbisous]

Ok.. -just a thought about OA - as previously said, X-ray should give you the answer. Sure you’ll let us know..

[Missbisous in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes I will and thank you both for your help xx

[Grammy80]

Over my five years with GCA, PMR was mentioned a few times. Ultimately, it was proved to be something else. I had bursitis in my left hip, had a shot and it has been OK...I also had a pinched nerve in my back that required a radiofrequency ablation....that has been fine. In my case, and probably yours, my dose of prednisone at the time would have covered my 'PMR' symptoms. I wish you the best Friday...you've gotten great input from the gals..take care.💞

[Missbisous in reply to Grammy80]

thank you Grammy - I am hoping it is something else when I read how much pain everyone’s going through with PMR x