1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Is this PMR flare or old back pain problem? I don't know what to do.

Posted , 14 users are following.

kate50809
kate50809

For the last week or so I have a lot of pain in my pelvic region and this morning I can barely walk.  As I have a long history of back problems, known as failed back surgery I just don’t know what sort of pain I have!!

About a month ago the back pain and PMR  were nicely under control and I was taking 10mg pred.

Under my rheumy’s instructions I started reducing the pred by 1mg on 1st August.

Stupidly I got carried away and started doing more challenging exercises, lost concentration and pulled a muscle in my back.

Over the last 2 weeks the pain has got worse. The muscle I pulled seems OK but I now have pain in my whole pelvic area and this morning could hardly walk.

I do not know if this is a PMR flare and I should increase my pred or a flare from my old problem.  The pains are not dissimilar but the back pain usually improves as the days go on this is getting worse.

I am very down this morning. The doctor doesn’t know the difference either and I don’t want to discuss it with him.

Would it be a good idea to go back to 10mg pred or even a little more and see what happens?  Would this completely mess up my pred reduction?

I just don’t know what to do for the best.

Thanks for listening and thank goodness for this forum.

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

Prev
  • BioMedGeoff
    BioMedGeoff kate50809

    Posted

    Hi Kate,

    Usually a flare of PMR gives bi-lateral pain, ie, both buttocks/hips would be painful and stiff. Personally, I know I have a flare when I get bi-lateral pain in shoulders, hips and buttocks. So the question is, is your pain isolated like back pain or more widespread? It is usual to revert to a dosage that previously gave relief from PMR symptoms. You could revert to 10mg for a few days. If you get relief, stay on that dose for a few weeks before reducing very slowly. You may need to increase the dose slightly to find relief. Recommended dose for full blown PMR is 15 - 25mg. Good luck, with good medication control, there is no reason for you to be in pain and stiffness. Cheers Geoff

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn BioMedGeoff

      Posted

      BioMedGeoff, I agree everything I have read and heard talked both sides. I do get it on but sides, right side severe, left side negligible. Go figure! When I hurt myself too much activity, almost always just the opposite.

      Still positive with a smile. ☺️

    • EileenH
      EileenH BioMedGeoff

      Posted

      Not necessarily at the start - it depends how long you leave it and individuals vary. My first flare signs are pain in my right wrist, it can be a few weeks before bilateral hip pain appears. Even the medical literature is beginning to say it may start unilaterally.
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.