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Do I have PMR?

Posted , 4 users are following.

MrsNewt1
MrsNewt1

Hi everybody, I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice please?

I went to my dentist in December 2011 as my "clicking jaw" had locked, and was creating significant pain and no movement. Previously I had been supplied with a guard to wear during the night to stop my grinding of teeth (I didn't know I did this) but my dentist believed this is what was causing the clicking, grating and inability to open my mouth more than about one inch.

After the second lot of muscle relaxants he referred me to oral surgery at my local hospital. To cut a long story short - I have had xrays and an MRI scan both have shown significant degeneration on the left hand side of my jaw bone. After the XRay I was diagnosed with having severe osteo arthritis in my jaw.

However, when going back for the results of the MRI scan, I have a new consultant who thinks that I could have PMR as I also get weakness/pain in my joints/arms/neck - which previously had been put down to the fact that I have a prolapsed disc in my neck.

I have also suffered with severe "tingling" in my legs which does border on being painful, but my GP has never been terribly worried about this.

I am not sure as to the consultants diagnosis, as I don't appear to be in as much pain (I realise how lucky I am) as some people are reporting, but could this be due to the fact that I take tramadol and anti inflammatory already because of my jaw and neck?

I am 41.

Thank you.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey

    Posted

    Hello MrsNewt

    Most of us suffering with PMR are aged over 50 so it would be quite uncommon, although not impossible, to be diagnosed with this condition at the age of 41.

    Have either your GP or consultant carried out blood tests, specifically ESR and CRP, to see if you have raised inflammatory markers as these are usually used as a diagnostic tool, although, having said that, there are a few PMR patients who never show raised markers.

    You also mention weakness/pain in your joints, whereas PMR generally produces pain in all the large muscle areas such as the pelvic girdle, shoulder girdle and down the front of the thighs.

    Tramadol and anti inflammatories tend not to be very successful for most people in relieving the pain of PMR.

    I know from experience that having a spinal problem, whether thoracic or lumber, can complicate things when it comes to getting a positive diagnosis - I was in line for spinal fusion when an alert orthopaedic consultant decided it was a rheumatology issue instead.

    I'm sorry I can't be more reassuring but if it was me I would ask for ESR and CRP blood tests initially and referral to a rheumatologist in the hope of a definitive diagnosis. I do wish you well and do come back and let us know how you get on.

    MrsO

  • MrsNewt1
    MrsNewt1

    Posted

    Hi MrsO,

    Thank you for getting back to me.

    I will try and explain a little further. I do have a prolapsed disc in my neck, and lately (the past three months or so) I have experienced weakness in my shoulders, neck, elbows, wrists and fingers - not only in the joints, but in the muscles too. This feels a little like when you have done too much exercise and overdone things - this is typically worse on a morning. To date, I think I have put this down to my prolapsed disc.

    The consultant has just done some blood tests, and although some were routine, he did say that these would give an indication of any inflammation. He is also carrying out a procedure under general anaesthetic, whereby he is going to try and find out whether the problem with my jaw is "just" mechanical, or whether there is a muscle problem too. He has said that if the bloods come back with any indication of inflammation, then he would be asking "somebody else" to assist him, so it seems as though what he is doing is consistent with your suggestions (and what I have read elsewhere).

    In the past my GP has carried out some blood tests and I have had some come back which have shown an inflammation - but this was put down to either a viral infection. I have also had a blood test come back showing inflammation in my liver - but they again put this down to a disease that causes my liver to be a little inflamed, and my eyes to go a little yellow, but doesn't cause any real concerns - apart from fatigue.

    The only other pain I experience is as I mentioned below which I can only describe as significant tingling/pins and needles type pain. This doesn't happen very often (but when it does I get a few together), but I get it all down the front and back of my legs from my thighs down to my calves. When it happens I can barely walk as my legs feel very weak, but luckily, it only lasts around a minute. I also suffer from migraines.

    The consultant has said that he is attacking my problem from two angles - the mechanical side (which is mainly the degeneration of my jaw) and also the pain side.

    Hopefully, I am on the right track to getting the correct diagnosis, and therefore the most appropriate treatment.

    Thanks again for your feedback, and I will let you know how things go.

    Cheers,

    MrsNewt1

  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey

    Posted

    MrsNewt

    I'm so glad to hear that you are already under a consultant who sounds as though he's being very thorough in seeking a diagnosis for you - hang on to him and good luck!

    MrsO

  • EileenH
    EileenH

    Posted

    Hope the doc bears in mind that you can have abnormal liver markers with PMR. I did - it isn't common but then, if it's uncommon I'll get it. But it does happen.

    Good luck with the investigations

    Eileen

  • carolk
    carolk

    Posted

    good luck with diagnosis try and get genned up on pmr while you wait for results so you are informed and prepared just in case you have to start treatment ,keep in touch carolk
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