Oh Happy Days!

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi all

Having told my GP last week in no uncertain terms that I wasn't a hypochondriac with a bit of an ache and an overactive imagination, I had an urgent appointment with the rheumatologist yesterday. She is pretty certain that it is PMR, because I have classic symptoms, but said she couldn't be 100% certain because this complaint is so difficult to diagnose and my blood levels aren't raised. She also said this makes it much harder to get the steroid dose right so has given me a high dose steroid injection in my backside instead but I am not really sure why. This apparently lasts 3 months after which she will reassess the situation.

I had the injection 11am yesterday and the early signs are really encouraging as the aches and pains seem to be reducing by the hour so I am keeping my fingers crossed the improvement continues.

A lot of our discussion centred on whether I experienced stiffness first thing in the morning, which as we all know is a classic PMR symptom, (especially getting out of bed) to which my reply was that I have difficulty turning over in bed and moving because my muscles are extremely painful but she seemed to think that this wasn't the same as stiffness. Can anyone enlighten me on whether there is a difference between pain and stiffness and if so which gives you problems getting out of bed in the morning?

I am pleased to say that my depression :cry: of last week has now lifted and I am feeling much more positive so many thanks for all your support.

Bob :D

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19 Replies

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  • Posted

    Hi Bob,

    I bowled for 10 years when I lived in Spain. Like you I was addicted. Hopefully the steroids will kick-in ready for you to play during the outdoor season. Its so frustrating when sport has been a big part of your life, as it has with ours, to have to take a back seat. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. It seems that many of us on this site have been keen on sports or the like - makes you wonder doesn't it :?: Our time will come :!: Thanks for the holiday good wishes 8)

    Lizzie Ellen

  • Posted

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  • Posted

    Hi Bob :football:

    Sorry to hear that the injection is wearing off already. I do believe the injections are safer because they don't go through the organs of the body but straight into the blood stream, so I bet the answer to your question as to why we aren't all having them is either because it's easier for them to supply us with pills or it's cheaper! Perhaps I'm being cynical!

    Take it easy with the bowling - PMR doesn't like to be aggravated!!!

    MrsO

  • Posted

    Hi Bob,

    Thanks for not mentioning the Southampton/Portsmouth score :football: ! Sadly, every time I put the TV on in Spain, it was the first thing I heard! Really sorry to hear you've had to stop bowling again, as a bowler I know how addictive it can be and you must have been so pleased to get back to it at first. I don't know anything about injections vs. tablets so hopefully someone will be able to help you on this. Are you going to wait the full three months before seeing you Doc/Consultant again? I'm free to contact mine at any time if I'm worried about something and she'll see me or at least phone me to discuss the problem. Have I just struck lucky or is this normal? If you're already getting the old aches, pains and stiffness back, then there doesn't seem much chance of a three month respite. I was given an injection before my knee op in October because I was 'nil by mouth' and couldn't take my tablets. It was sheer bliss for 2 days!! Even with the prednisolone I still have what I call 'background' aches, but then I always have (too much sport, not enough warming up in my younger days I suspect) but I never get the severe pain and stiffness that was so bad to start with. I am reasonably happy with my progress so far. Going down to 10mgs tomorrow and haven't had too many problems reducing so far. I do hope you are able to get back to the bowling etc. You're like me I think, once the steroids kicked in and I felt so much better I thought I could go back to the gym, swimming, walking etc. etc. but soon found out that I couldn't. Being sensible isn't really in my genes :lol: .

    Keep well,

    Lizzie Ellen

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