Newbie just looking to say hello :)
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hi all,
I'm so pleased to have found this forum!! I'm 39 and following a bout of flu (my first), at Christmas, I'm being referred by my GP to a rheumatologist for PMR.
I've had three blood tests over the past couple of months, which have shown increasing ESR and worsening anaemia. I feel extremely fatigued and tired most of the time and I have days where the soreness in my hips and neck are dreadful. It's worse at night, morning and evenings.
I also have problems with my hands - pain, stiffness and "sharp twangs" of pain and they sometimes go to sleep/numb at night when there is no pressure on them. I also get pains doing things like driving. Does anyone else have this?
Obviously I'm still to be formally diagnosed so I'm only going on my GP, but I'm still so happy to have found others who maybe in the same boat.
Thank you for any advice/comments
Kim
0 likes, 25 replies
EileenH Cakegal
Posted
It could be a post-viral form, it does exist. Has your GP tried you on a moderate dose of pred to see what/if anything happens?
But yes, I do recognise everything you describe and I hope that the rheumy is helpful when you do get to see him/her. You do sound to have something autoimmune but PMR is just one of a lot of things with these symptoms.
Have you tried Bowen therapy? You might find it helps some of the hip/leg/back pain as there are some bits that sort of add-on to PMR which can be relieved and every little helps.
Where are you - -ish, not your house number!
Cakegal EileenH
Posted
Thank you for your kind words and advice. Yes, indeed I'm aware I'm potentially on the young side to have it, so it will be interesting to see if the rheumatologist dismisses it or not. i very much appreciate you not dismissing me though. I tried another forum recently and was unceremoniously told I couldn't possibly have it! Much nicer welcome here I must say
I'm in Buckingham (unsurprising in Buckinghamshire) my GP is terrific and I think I'm very lucky in that sense. He hasn't tried any meds yet. Possibly as we mentioned, my age that feels I should see a specialist to confirm.
Warm wishes,
Kim
EileenH Cakegal
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Cakegal EileenH
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EileenH
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Cakegal EileenH
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RD_Swede Cakegal
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Ragnar (member. of Club Zero in the Northeast Forum)
EileenH Cakegal
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https://patient.info/forums/discuss/feeling-upset-496224
so you aren't alone. I have to say - haven't investigated it myself despite being on FB. Haven't time to pounce on the rubbish there too I already participate on 3 different ones.
Stay here Kim - we're lovely and all we care about is that you have PMR-type problems. It doesn't matter if it somehting else - if we have found a way around a problem, we'll share it with you.
Here's some reading for you:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-website-addresses-and-resources-35316
Cakegal EileenH
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linda17563 Cakegal
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MrsO-UK_Surrey Cakegal
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Although naturally I hope that you don't have PMR, if you do then you have come to the right place.....and then you can educate those on facebook!
I also showed signs of anaemia prior to PMR/GCA diagnosis, but anaemia can present with other autoimmune, inflammatory conditions, too - did your GP carry out a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis, for example? And it's amazing how many people say that their PMR followed a bout of flu.
Whatever it is, I do hope your appointment with the rheumatologist comes through quickly and that s/he is able to give you a definitive diagnosis. If not, there is a wonderful rheumatoligst not too far away from you, and certainly well worth the journey, at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey. Meanwhile, do try and give yourself plenty of TLC and check out anti-inflammatory foods to help, including plenty of oily fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as preserved meats etc. Good luck.
Cakegal MrsO-UK_Surrey
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My doctor hasn't tested me for RA, as far as I'm aware - he certainly chaser mentioned it. My grandmother had severe RA so I will certainly mention it to the rheumatologist, as I presume they will ask my family history.
I very much appreciate the reference to anti-inflammatory foods. I have been wondering if it actually has any meaningful effect, but we are planning a bit of an eating makeover anyway
lee63556 Cakegal
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Anhaga Cakegal
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EileenH Anhaga
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Anhaga EileenH
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LayneTX Anhaga
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butter, almond milk, almond flour, cilantro herb and even some minced ginger! I've made it twice now. Yum, yum...
Anhaga LayneTX
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