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Doc now thinks I may have PolymyalgiaRhematica

Posted , 5 users are following.

Dotcon
Dotcon

Thanks to all who replied to me about my raised CRP &ESR levels. Saw GP again this week and asked if I could see a Rhematologist~again. He now thinks I may have PMR and says I should try Cortisone tablets for a week. If there's an imptovement it will confirm PMR,if not he'll send me to Rheumatologist.I'm confused, as reading these many posts I can identify with most of the symptoms. Has this happened to  anyone else? Didn't really want to take these tablets without a definite diagnosis. Thanks for any help. Dorothy

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • bronwyn97278
    bronwyn97278 Dotcon

    Posted

    Gosh dotcon; you have been on a Wild merry-go-round;   I am not a sufferer of PMA, and would not like to be....Fibro is bad enough for me.  However, if your ESR's were elevevated...it may very well be the case...have you tried going onto the PMR forum site, and directing your question to them (especially  Eileen), as she is very knowledgeable re PMR.   I have had Fibro for 20 years, but can't answer re ESR in relation to Fibro.....how much Prednisone did the doc  prescribe?   for from what I have read, you will need a large dose to have any effect.   If you can't get any help from other forum, come back to this site, and we'll all try and help you with your Fibro (it may even be a case of having both??? at least from what I have read, PMR is curable,  at present Fibro isn't)   hugs and feeling for you, as there is nothing worse, emotionally wise, as still Not Knowing.........................Bro
  • Cheetah
    Cheetah Dotcon

    Posted

    Pleased that you went back to your GP, Dorothy.  I think Bronwyn97278 has the right idea in asking questions in the PMR forum.  I asked a few myself when I was, initially, concerned that I may have PMR and they are very helpful.

    At that time, I read that taking the steroid tablets actually helps the doctor towards making a diagnosis.  PMR responds quickly to taking steroids and so this would point towards you having PMR and not fibro, which is probably why your GP wanted you to try them.

    I hope it all goes well for you.  Take care.

  • tiff74
    tiff74 Dotcon

    Posted

    Its only for a week, isn't it best to know than live in the dark and suffering, I am seeing a rheumatologist and wilaiting MMR scan to see if my cervical sponglosises had be come worse , basically osteoarthritis of the neck,

    So surgery is on the cards for me to umtrap the nerves, and believe me will definitely be worth it as at mo living in constant pain and permanent pins and needles down arm all way to finger tips, which I can now now longer feel. So do try them you never now might give you some pain relief x

    • Dotcon
      Dotcon tiff74

      Posted

      Thanks Bronwyn,Rosie & Tiff. Yes,I will try the PMR forum. Doc has prescribed daily dose of  20mg Prednisolone. Yes,I know it's only for a week to help with the diagnosis,but I am such a ditherer. Is there a forum for that complaint????? Dorothy
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 tiff74

      Posted

      Me again tiff;  read re your Neck and pinched nerves...due to ? Ostero...I also have no cartilage between discs on R) side of neck, but Thankfully don't have any tingling/nerve damage....am sorry you are having to have surgery.....these extra health issues don't like our Fibro hey?   I do so hope that you are able to recover in a timely manner....in 2010 I had to have a Sub-archomial decompression to L) shoulder/upper arm tendon....and it took me longer than I had hoped....when is this op happening?   do keep us in the know, and how you are getting on......till next time...........Bron
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey Dotcon

      Posted

      Dot, I'm usually on the PMR forum but have received your post via Pat.Exp.  I just wanted to say that if the 20mg of Prednisolone relieves your pain by about 70% in just a few days or even hours, then your GP is correct in saying that will provide confirmation of PMR, having ruled out other conditions previously.  It is very common to have raised ESR and CRP in the case of PMR, although a few sufferers never present with raised markers.  If you do have a good response to the treatment as I have described above, then do not let the GP take you straight off the medication.  If you do that and it is definitely PMR, then you will have a lesser response to the treatment when starting them again.  It is preferable to remain on the starting dose for at least 4 weeks, then have blood tests repeated and if they are normal and your symptoms improved, then a small reduction in dose can be tried but by no more than 2.5mgs.  Hope that helps and if it does turn out to be PMR, do join that discussion group where you will find a very friendly bunch of people.
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