Diagnosed with p m r so confused on a high dose of prednisone Drs think I can work 8 hrs a day I can

I think it's an abbreviation for polymyalgia (Polymyalgia Rheumatica = PMR). Similar to Fibromyalgia (FMS - Fibromyalgia Syndrome).  Unfortunately doctors and benefits officials aren't yet in agreement re these pain syndromes and it's difficult to get recognition for the extent of the disability and distress they cause.  I have Osteo arthritis and now FMS and other than getting handed prescriptions for painkillers or anti inflamms, not much help is offered.  Particularly difficult for those of us who have to work as in mine and Karen's case.  Some days are hell on earth with pain that never lets up but because it's 'invisible' to others, it's hard for them to realise just how debilitating it is.

Thanks for explains Loxie. I understand pain from OA as I have had arthritis since aged 11 had my knee replaced twice and needing a partial one now. I am only 59 and have poor mobility. It is debilitating pain so I feel for you & Karen. Take care xx

So sorry to hear about your long standing battle with arthritis Elizabeth.  It's a double edge sword sometimes isn't it. It reduces your mobility yet exercise would help but we often can't do much and it becomes a vicious circle.  I have managed to cope with the arthritis and try not to let it ruin my life but the pain from the FMS is difficult to manage and strikes without warning or any known trigger.  I think stress heightens it too, in the lead up to Christmas we're horrendously busy at work and I'm working long hours plus trying to get shopping and all the other stuff done, then get wiped out with pain.  I try so hard not to just sit and wallow in it or resort to popping handfuls of pills (which I hate doing) but it can be relentless at times which I guess you also know about.

 

Hi Karen.  It's  understandable you worry about your health problems, we all do when it's a chronic condition and especially if new symptoms appear or existing ones seem to get worse.  PMR is an inflammatory condition so it's possible it has a knock on effect if you have other issues, as the body is fighting all the time against the inflammation/pain.  Being stressed will definitely affect both the PMR and the COPD, so if you're anxious about the problems, that anxiety will cause adrenal issues and over production of cortisol, which in turn will aggravate your conditions.  You must be worried, as I certainly am, about being able to continue to work and earn a living, coping etc., and that worry will be having a bad effect on your health issues.  Easy to say and not easy to manage I know, but best advice is to try to find a way to relax.  Maybe join a meditation group, or just find some guided meditation - particularly the mindfulness type - on say Youtube.  I discovered Mindfulness technique some years ago and it really helps, it was devised specifically to help with pain.  You absolutely don't need to apologise, continuous pain is a nightmare and difficult for others to understand as it's 'invisible' and only the sufferer can know how bad it is.  These forums are a great help as we can have a moan with people who understand what we're going through.