New to PMR

Posted , 2 users are following.

What a joy to find this website. To find other people struggling with this strange disease. I have been suffering for nearly 2 months with what I thought was thigh strain. After hip x-rays (no probs) my GP suddenly jumped on to PMR as a possibility after I said I also had great pain in my shoulder, which I knew was impingement and am booked in for injection.

At least that was good news, I was sent for a blood test which came back with several indicators for PMR. I was started on 20Mg of steroids which has had a slow start and took over a week before I felt any benefit but I have now had 2 days of almost no aches or pains. No more painkillers!

Am I being premature in my joy? It seems to me from reading your comments that this is a very unpredictable problem. Can I expect a reasonably fast recovery or could it drag on for ages.

This seems to me to be a little known disease and I never thought I could be in such agony and suffer so much sleep loss.

Thank you for your comments; I have drawn a lot of strength from reading them.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Sog and welcome although I'm sorry to hear of yet another sufferer. However, it's good to hear that the steroids have kicked in and your pain has been relieved. As to whether you are being \"premature in your joy\", just stay positive and don't feel put off if you read of some of our not-so-good experiences......just remember that many people make text-book recoveries in 12-18 months and with any luck you will be one of these! Very best wishes.

    MrsO

  • Posted

    Hi Sog,

    Sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with PMR. If its any help, I was diagnosed in September, Prednisolone (15mgs) brought very quick relief, followed by a small hiccup for a week (a few aches and pains returned) but now already starting a slow reduction (12.5mgs and going down). I've had hardly any side-effects from the steroids (I choose to ignore anything going on inside that I can't see!) and feeling very well. Just one warning note, if you get a bit of a hiccup be very careful what pain killers you take now you're on steroids. Anti inflammatories and steroids don't mix, so would suggest you talk to your pharmacist before you take anything. I'm very happy with the way my PMR is progressing at the moment and hope that encourages you.

    Lizzie Ellen smile

  • Posted

    Yes this is a great website When I had PMR the first time in 2002 I didnt know anything about it I dont know if this website was going then? It is great for questions moaning ( we all do it ) !! or share a bit of progress I was textbook with my first bout and off steroids within 2 years this time I have had blips I do think you need a good raport with your Dr mine is great about blood tests and I saw her every month until it appeared to settle then every 2 months with blood tests monthly if I feel I need them You do have to look after yourself diet exercise etc I ( fingers crossed ) havent had any side effects from steroids Just a bit of weight gain I feel lucky sometimes !!!! that it is PMR which does normally go away in time and not something incurable But the days we have the : concrete overcoat: feeling I feel sorry for myself !! Study everything as much as you can Rest is also part of the cure as you may well get the complete feeling of exhaustion which sometimes comes with it I had it yesterday I felt better in the morning than I had for ages went off for my blood tests ( lots of walking in and out of the Hospital ) went to the supermarket and felt I wanted to curl up in the trolley !! So a strange day I do wish I was sleeping deeper but having had to increase my steroids recently Im back to doseing I think Best wishes to you
  • Posted

    Thanks for your comments. They are helpful and reassuring. I have been on Co-dydramol for a while but on Sunday I managed a whole day without. Same on Monday and today feels it could be a good one as well. I think you have an idea if you can get out of bed OK? Also since going on the steroids and easing of pain I have had wonderful nights sleep apart from loo trips!

    I have found that I have lost weight around my thighs and bum which still makes sitting for a long period a bit awkward.

    Sounds like your dose is reducing quite quickly, Lizzie Ellen, cant wait for that. Reading some of the comments about being on for years sounds quite scary!.

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