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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted , 11 users are following.

greenwood11
greenwood11

Had PMR for 3 yrs plus, now been told I have carpal Tunnel Syndrome can this be associated with PMR .

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH greenwood11

    Posted

    This question has come up 3 times in the last few weeks - there must be a spate of it!

    The answer is yes - it is said in the medical literature to be found in about 15% of PMR patients. 

  • tina-uk_cwall
    tina-uk_cwall greenwood11

    Posted

    I had carpal tunnel syndrome for 2 years prior to the first symptoms for PMR. (Self diagnosed). As soon as I went on preds the CTS went. I am now down to 5mgs and the symtoms gave returned, both wrists but worst in the left. Regards, tina
  • donna60512
    donna60512 greenwood11

    Posted

    I have wondered the same thing.  My right wrist has been bothering me on some days.  I think, for me, I have been spending more time on my comptuer than usual due to PMR.  If I stay away from here, use my iPad instead, or place my writst on a rolled up towel, I get relief.  I guess if it's not one thing, it's another.  I must say that I am learning a lot here.  For me though, I find it a bit discouraging.  I have always been an optimist and to read where people have suffered for three, four, and five years is just such a downer.  I keep telling myself that I will "WILL" this away.  
    • darlene96382
      darlene96382 donna60512

      Posted

      I love this forum! But I agree it can be discouraging to read how long PMR may last and all the other conditions that can be related. You should don't hear the same from doctors, because they don't seem to know very much.
    • donna60512
      donna60512 darlene96382

      Posted

      I also think that doctors do not want to discourage their patients.  I am sure that they are aware of the length of time, but don't want to tell a patient at the outset that they may be like this for five years.  I have always felt that HOPE is so very important to recovery.  My doctor said perhaps a year, I just appreciate that he didn't say longer.  
    • helen88071
      helen88071 donna60512

      Posted

      Mine always says he has no idea, could be long or short - we have passed short, so I'm onto how long??
    • pat38625
      pat38625 donna60512

      Posted

      Hi Donna, all is not lost - I was diagnosed with PMR November 2014 and started with 20mg of pred.  I am now down to 3.5mg and it's just over 18 months, I have had no major flare yet (fingers crossed) I am definately not the person I used to be.  Was diagnosed with ME 15 years ago and also had fybromyiagia for a while (it went as mysteriously as it came)  I would still pick those two illnesses over PMR anyday.  I live in hope and am optimistic about my future.  Eating healthy and walking when I can.  Chin up, it could be worse (ie., terminal illness).  Pred takes care of the pain and looking back I know I was one step away from a wheelchair.  I am so grateful for every day.  Regards Pat
    • EileenH
      EileenH donna60512

      Posted

      I disagree - they DON'T understand. i work with rheumatologists in their research and many really don't realise how long it goes on or how much it affects us. Once they do "get it" their attitude does change a lot.

      But for the support groups it is difficult: patients are told "up to a couple of years", they get to 2 years and are still on a moderate dose of pred. So they feel they have failed in some way. Especially when their doctor is trying to force them off pred. They come to us - and we have to pick up the pieces - and tell them the rather less positive truth. 

      The answer has to be - how long is a piece of string? But it needn't be all bad - I've had PMR for 12 years altogether, 7 of them on pred. But it doesn't make a lot of difference to my life compared with others my age in the UK. It is greatly to do with how you approach it.

  • helen88071
    helen88071 greenwood11

    Posted

    I was originally treated for carpel tunnel: had the left one done not the right, & am right handed, it is no different,  later the PMR was identified.... and treatment becan on that. My left arm is always the first spot in a flare (upper), so go figure.....
  • Anniecurd
    Anniecurd greenwood11

    Posted

    My PMR started with unbearable pain in my right wrist and arm. A neurologist who did the nerve test said that it sounds like PMR and once I get on preds the pain will probably go away. My doc said that's rubbish. Guess what? The pain did go away. I am now down to 3 1/2 from a starting dose of 15 last August. My rheum wants me to be at 1mg by August. I guess she's hung up on the year duration as well.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Anniecurd

      Posted

      Sometimes I really do wonder about their knoweldge of mechanisms of drugs! It's all a degree of inflammation - reliving that can only make it at least some better.

      It is great when you can get below 5mg straight off - quite a few people can and do but they rarely appear on the forums. I do hope she is sensible about your final stretch and doesn't try to force you off having done so well.

  • angelcake61
    angelcake61 greenwood11

    Posted

    I suffer from wrist pain, when I first started on Alendronic acid it seemed to get worse.

     

  • Ardern
    Ardern greenwood11

    Posted

    Hi Greenwood

    I Have the same experence as Tina. Started Pred last Oct at 60 mg and the CRP I had for 2 years (diagionsed by a doctor) was gone all winter and part of the spring. It came back within a week of dropping below 8mg but it doesn't seem any worse than before

     

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