At last rheumatologist appointment
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I went at last to see rheumatologist after a year of waiting she tells me I don't have pmr but severe osteoarthritis. I feel really let down as I have been taking steroids for that year unnecessary she says it will take a long time at a reduction of 1mg every 3 months . I had more blood tests plus xrays on the same day but next appointment is not for 3 months. Any ideas from you knowledgeable people.
0 likes, 13 replies
Reeceregan kathleen21605
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kathleen21605 Reeceregan
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I live in UK and it was the Dr that diagnosed the pmr and prescribed the steroids. Rheumatologist said because there was only pain in left arm ,shoulder and neck it wasn't pmr. She said my inflammation levels were not high enough either I think the highest I had was44 esr. Just have to go with what you are told. I will be pleased to get off steroids as since taking them my health has gone downhill with all the side effects and other things. Thank you for your concern.
EileenH kathleen21605
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kathleen21605 EileenH
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Kdemers EileenH
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Right on Eileen! My R. Doctor says he never really considers blood markers. it helps if there are some but it isn't the only way to judge. He listens to the patient and or the relief from Prednisone. CRP is a fairly good marker but not always valid. I wish you luck Kathleen
ptolemy Kdemers
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EileenH kathleen21605
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Until I saw the evidence of the OA I would reserve judgement. I was also told by a rheumatologist I had OA, she "could feel it" in both knee and hands (no x-rays). After eventually starting pred a few years later it went and hasn't returned. I had an x-ray done a few weeks ago of the same knee which was painful when walking down slopes or downstairs. The report says no evidence of anything - including OA. That is after the best part of 14 years. In the meantime, the sore knee has disappeared!!!
Either it wasn't OA or pred for nearly 9 years has cured it...
kathleen21605 EileenH
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ptolemy kathleen21605
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kathleen21605 ptolemy
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Still had pain in neck and lower back I am on 9mg and I would have thought a quicker reduction. I had days when it was bad also ones no so bad. Didn't go altogether. On first diagnosis I thought it was miracle cure as all pain went but back within couple of weeks. Now wait for all the results of tests.
Anhaga kathleen21605
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I have fairly extensive osteoarthritis and I have to say at 15 mg, and for some time after as I tapered, all my aches an pains went away, not just the PMR. Now at 2 mg OA is very definitely back in the picture, and has been for a while, although I don't really know when it became such a factor. I'd almost say it's worse now than it was before treatment for PMR but I suspect that's just perspective, having enjoyed a good many months with no or very little pain.
kathleen21605 Anhaga
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I think the osteoarthritis is worse now than before I took steroids. In January I went to a meeting at my surgery with 5 Drs and 2 Rheumatologists they asked me to explain how I felt. I said felt worse taking steroids and wanted to come off. As it happened nothing came of this and I didn't get any help either so now after the first and only visit to the Rheumatologist I have to take notice of her,not much choice really.
Anhaga kathleen21605
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