My PMR has returned!!
Posted , 3 users are following.
I first had PMR in 2002 when I was 54 Luckily my Dr recognised it early on but my blood tests were not standard as my CRP was higher than my ESR I had to see a Rheumatologist (privately as the pain was awful ) and after about 16 blood tests he confirmed PMR I started on 20mg of steroid and within a year I was down to 2mg My case was 'text book' as I was clear in just over 2 years My Dr was excellent and my steroids were never reduced without blood tests and monthly moniterring I did get quite down and very tired as had been very active before This year I started with flu and antibiotics then several colds and sore throats and earlier in the year thought it was coming back but this was a false alarm But I have also done lots of heavy physical work this summer so dont know if I have overdone it but was taking quite a lot of ibrofen and paracetamol as was aching WhenI developed a rash I stopped the ibrofen and deteriorated rapidly blood tests confirmed it is back ESR is up as well as CRP but luckily 20mg has proved enough to stop the pain So here we go again !! I was very pleased to find this forum and all the information contained in it Trying to rest at present so it keeps me occupied I do think that unless you have had it it is hard for someone to understand how debilitaing it is
0 likes, 7 replies
Guest
Posted
What a disappointment for you after being free of PMR for 4 years but at least the 20 mgs are working yet again and hopefully you will prove to be another text book case, as you put it, and get through it quickly to the point of a full recovery again. Maybe the inflammation stays dormant in the body and something triggers it - do you think the 'flu may have been the trigger perhaps in your case? In my case, having suffered from undiagnosed PMR for a year, my rheumatologist believed that a change in my blood pressure medication triggered GCA, which is linked to PMR, and the diagnosis of GCA confirmed therefore that I had previously been suffering from PMR which then returned alongside the GCA. Now nearly two years down the line from GCA diagnosis, on 5mgs, having been up and down on the dose, therefore not a text book case like you. Yes, this site is certainly very comforting especially when you are more stuck at home having to rest and talking to other people with the same problems - a trouble shared is a trouble halved. Good luck and hope you feel more full of beans soon.
Mrs O.
Mrs_G
Posted
mrs_k
Posted
I am sorry to see that a recovery has been made and then a relapse. But as Mrs O say, someone is always here.
However there is an international survey for pmr & gca patients online at google International Survey pmr+gca or scroll down on pmr and the heading is International Survey. For some reason, althouhg I am logged in, it will not let me post the website address here. If you could take a few minutes to fill it in - it would be helping yourselves and others.
The survey was devised by patients for patients and the results are free to anyone in the world who applies for them. There is research taking place in some places, but most surveys are low - so we thought an international one would be of assistance to looking for cause and cure.
If you care to email, me via this site, there are six support groups for pmr and gca suffers currently operating in the UK. Hopefully there will be more in the future. Maybe you would like to join one if they are near to you geographically.
Mrs_G
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Guest
Posted
I read your account with interest. I am about 1 year older than yourself and, like you I was pretty text book. A little older than you when diagnosed (57) and it lasted for 2 years almost exactly. I too have had several colds/ soar throats lately and have been wondering if my PMR is returning as I seem to have some of the symptoms, but at the moment am still trying to convince myself that it is just normal aches/pains of older age. But it did interest me to see that your condition returned after some bouts of fru/colds/soar throats.
Mrs_G
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Sioux
Posted
For me, it meant that eventually I had to give up work, but I haven't looked back and now realise I was pushing myself too hard.
Self care is vital with PMR