What us the difference?

[Magfitz]

What is difference between fibrmyalgia and polymyagia .

[ukmsmi4]

Hi Magfitz

I have just googled this article on the difference between the two.

From what I can tell the basic difference is that polymyalgia is rheumatic (involves swelling) whereas fibromyalgia isn't and therefore doesn't involve swelling.

arthritis.org/living-with-a...

Gentle hugs, Margaret.xx

[Hidden]

My step father has polymyalgia which he is told is a RA disease spreading from other RA areas. He cannot lift his arms more than elbow height the strength has gone like he had a stroke! Fibromylgia is extreme pain and fatigue in the muscles and as far as I know doesn,t come under any arthritic name yet!!

[rosewine]

Copied this from the Arthritis Foundation website for you:-

Polymyalgia, or polymyalgia rheumatica, is an inflammatory disease of muscle. The cause is uncertain but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the connective tissues. The primary symptoms are severe stiffness and pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and hip areas. People with this condition also may have flulike symptoms, including fever, weakness and weight loss, and approximately 15 percent develop a potentially dangerous condition called giant cell arteritis – an inflammation of the arteries that supply the head.

Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory condition. It is caused by abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia may be extremely sensitive to pain and other unpleasant sensations. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, one must experience pain on both sides of the body and in both the upper and lower half of the body. They are also typically tender points throughout their body. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, irritable bowel syndrome and headaches.

Both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are more common in women than men. Fibromyalgia can occur at any age, but polymyalgia rarely occurs before age 50. The average age of onset is 70. And whereas fibromyalgia is chronic, often lasting a lifetime, polymyalgia usually resolves itself within two years."

Hope the above helps.x

[DeeGee54]

Hi I have had Polymyalgia Arthritica, PMR, this is a very painful condition and is treated with steroids. Prednisalone starting usually with 15mg daily and decreasing the dose over a period of 12-24 months. My friend was too late for diagnosis of PMR and it progressed to Grand Cell Arteritis, GCA, this becomes more serious and without treatment can lead to blindness. I had treatment for 15 months but have been told that PMR can return. I also have fibro and although I have pain all over my body the pain from PMR is quite distinctive. If you are unlucky to have either of these conditions you have my sympathies. The people here are dealing with a mixture of conditions and are all very helpful and supportive. Sending you best wishes and squishy cuddles. Dianne😀😀

[TheAuthor]

Hi Magfitz

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I can see that you have been given some wonderful replies so I will simply and sincerely wish you all the best of luck. Please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Magfitz]

Thank you everyone for your replies. These have all been very enlightening and extremely

Helpful. I wish you all well.x