bloods tests dont show inflammtion
Posted , 13 users are following.
Hi there just wondered if u can still have PMR even though your blood tests show no inflammtion.I have got widespread muscle pains which is worse in neck shoulders and hips but i hurt all over this has been going on for 18 months now ive had loads of blood tests but they carnt seem to find a problem the doctors have started me on 10mg of prednisolone a day for 2 weeks to see if it helps the pain just seems to be getting worse.
0 likes, 42 replies
ricky23486 ginette1977
Posted
linfran ginette1977
Posted
Hi Ginette
Yes, from visiting this forum I know that not everyone with PMR has raised inflammatory levels. This can delay diagnosis.
As for the pain and stiffness worsening, it could be that 10mgs of Prednisolone isn't a high enough starting dose.
Others will reply for sure.
GeordieJane ginette1977
Posted
Hi Ginette,
You sure can - although atypical, I am living proof. My 'story' is hip and shoulder girdle pain for 5 months and, like everyone a reluctance to accept Prednisolone. However, the pain won in the end and I have been on a very low dose for 3 weeks with wonderful results. I only wish I had accepted the need earlier as I feel like a new woman. The GP started me on 5mgs - I know ridiculously low and not the minimum recommended but having felt a difference and having been given access to a search project about dosage via this site, we have increased to 7.5mgs and I am 'happy' with that, moving without thought and only a little shoulder pain. I am still waiting for a hopsital appointment to confirm the diagnosis but it's pretty clear really! I have found this forum a magnificent are of expertise and support.
good luck.
jane
tavidu ginette1977
Posted
Anhaga ginette1977
Posted
It's good you are getting the prednisone trial, but it would be better if you were getting a dose closer to the recommended standard to start which is usually 15 or 20 mg. Some people do manage to do well at a very low starting dose, but most don't, so the doctors normally like to prescribe a dose which is likely to help nearly all the suspected PMR cases, which is more like 15 mg, prescribed for one week. The initial starting dose is usually the most you will ever need to be on if you are able to follow a sensible tapering regime. How many days have you taken pred? It doesn't work instantly. Some lucky people find some relief within hours but I wouldn't give up hope before a few days have passed. If you still note no improvement, ask if you can increase your dose.
ginette1977 Anhaga
Posted
Hi I've just started them today
Anhaga ginette1977
Posted
Then it will take a little while. Pred is not a painkiller as such. It works by reducing the inflammation which is the cause of pain in PMR, and that doesn't happen instantly. Hope you feel better tomorrow!
ginette1977 Anhaga
Posted
Anhaga ginette1977
Posted
Get lots of rest. And if the pred does work, don't overdo it - a lot of us start catching up on things we've let slide, and live to regret it!
EileenH ginette1977
Posted
amkoffee ginette1977
Posted
ginette1977 amkoffee
Posted
Hi amkoffee they checked my thyroid it is normal my gp did mention fibromyalgia I'll have to see how I do on the steroids but will ask why I'm not on 15mg or a bit higher like what other people said is usual dose is
Anhaga ginette1977
Posted
There are some great resources on the front page of this forum:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-website-addresses-and-resources-35316
cheryl74384 ginette1977
Posted
Anhaga cheryl74384
Posted
Yep. And in my case the first doctor I saw (repeated visits over the course of about a year) didn't consider my blood results relevant because of my advanced age, mid sixties at time, so she considered the results normal for my age. As I believe most of us here would suggest increased inflammation with increased age is most logically explained by the fact that with increased age there may well be more inflammatory processes going on in the body, but that's no reason not to treat whatever the cause could be!