Shingles then PMR

Oh...that is very interesting. I don't know that there is a connection between shingles and PMR but I also had both. I also have arthritis in my spine, hands, wrists, toes, and neck...never get the flu shot for the reason I don't want to get the flu. I was never sick in my life except for pneumonia in 1984.. Now have all the symptoms plus insomnia, fatigue, night sweats, adrenal issues, Stage Two renal insufficiency, etc. My GP retired (I think because of me) so now I only see the Rheumatologist.

Download the BSR Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of PMR>

You will see there are exclusion tests in the diagnosis of PMR, you can then discuss the problems with your GP's and find out exactly.

Currently there is no known cause or cure for PMR and there are as many theories as there are grains of sand.

Ellie, your symptoms could simply be the after-effects of shingles.

The classic areas for pain in PMR are the hips, lower spine, front of thighs, shoulders.  Other symptoms can be low grade fever, especially overnight, and fatigue. 

There is no definitive test for PMR.  If suspected, GPs usually carry out two blood tests (ESR and CRP) to check for inflammation.  If those show raised markers, they can then give a trial dose of 15mg steroids (Prednisolone) for a week or two.  If the symptoms resolve by at least around 70% then the GP will take that as confirmation of PMR diagnosis.

Although there is no known cause (or cure) for PMR, many patients have commented that it started after a bout of flu, whilst others have put the blame on starting statins, and still others blame it on a period of stress.  It does seem therefore that in many cases, stress, whether emotonal or physical, can prove the final straw where PMR is concerned.

If you haven't had the blood tests I mention above, then do ask for them (although it is still possible to have PMR even without raised markers of inflammation), plus a Vitamin D blood test.  Many of us have been found to be defiicient in the latter and such deficiency can lead to pain in similar areas to those of PMR, as well as certain our 'nasties'.

Thanks all for your replies. I'll do a bit more research as advised and then see my GP. Excuse typo's last night, was very tired but couldn't get comfy enough in bed to sleep! It's also very humid here at the mo, that doesn't help matters either. Back soon. ttfn Ellie X

There is no direct connection between shingles and PMR - but PMR often appears after a stressful event - of any sort, including an infection or even a vaccination. The immune system is overloaded, eventually the final straw breaks the camel's back and something develops. There is a whole range of autoimmune disorders - PMR is just one, many of the symptoms overlap, but as the others have said - post viral syndrome would also account for some of your problems.