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  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Finally a diagnosis after 9 months!

Posted , 8 users are following.

Glorious
Glorious

My symptoms started with a tightness over my left scapula, it didn't stop me from doing chores but it didn't go away. After a month or two I developed a stiff neck the two symptoms were on my left side. I didn't have pains around my hips. The pain eventually crept across my shoulders and up the back of my neck. Fatigue and sleepless nights.followed.

Given painkillers allowed me to carry on working but sleep was difficult. Finally after numerous consultations the Dr said PMR, CRP raised and now taking Steroids. Feel annoyed taken so long!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Twopies
    Twopies Glorious

    Posted

    it took me forever to get a diagnosis, too--labs were fine, docs said it was tendonitis, old age, etc. it wasnt until i ended up bedridden that an urgent care doc did new bloodwork that finally showed raised esr and crp. then i got the diagnosis--annoying because they had sent me to physical therapy for months before that which made me sooo much worse--it wasnt until i got the diagnosis and got on pred that i got any relief. and it took forever to calm things down. im 3 1/2 years in, im not one of the "lucky"ones--if there is such a thing--in that im never pain free. but a girl (or guy) can hope, right? hang in there--lots of company here.

  • BettyE
    BettyE Glorious

    Posted

    I was much luckier than you having first been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine. An ESR and CRP test showed very raised levels and was pain free within four hours of Pred. ( 30 mgs. ) But it was luck. I mentioned an unusual weight loss. Not much but significant in someone who'd been 120 lbs, give or take 2 or 3 lbs. for thirty years.

    I think the problem is that there is no definitive test for PMR so other things have to be excluded and that can take time sometimes.. My pain hit me like a truck Yours was more dribs and drabs and that would have made diagnosis more complicated I believe.

    What sort of relief have you had and how long did it take to click in?

    Best wishes.

  • EileenH
    EileenH Glorious

    Posted

    I wouldn't complain too much - took 5 years for me to get a diagnosis and even then I worked out what it was!

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