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  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Pain on left side.

Posted , 5 users are following.

TIsser
TIsser

have been trying to lower my preds, got down to 8.5 but found I had the stiffness returning, have gone back to 9mg and find that I am stiffer on my left hand side. I am reluctant to up my dose I find that the stiffness improves by mid morning but does not leave me.  I have taken a naproxen and find the stiffness decreases the effect of one naproxen lasts for two days.. Does anyone else find the stiffness is worse on one side of their body?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • maid_mariane
    maid_mariane TIsser

    Posted

    Hi Tissot

    I don't know if I would call mine stiffness but more sore on one side. On other forums several of us say this even though pmr is suppose to be bilateral I have mainly on my right side and I'm right handed.

    Mariane

  • EileenH
    EileenH TIsser

    Posted

    Often it is because you have a muscle problem that makes one side worse - not all is always PMR, and that naproxen helps might back that idea up - it doesn't usually help PMR. Myofascial pain syndrome is often found alongside PMR, it is caused by the same inflammatory substances, cytokines, but they are concentrated in small areas in shoulder muscles and can be felt as hard knots of muscle fibres. I have had cortisone injections which help but it is also possible to have manual mobilisation of the areas by a physio or sports massage therapist although it usually takes longer. I have also had very good results from something called Bowen therapy.

    Careful with the naproxen - it isn't advised to use too much alongside pred as both can irritate the stomach - take them in the middle of a meal maybe?

    • maid_mariane
      maid_mariane EileenH

      Posted

      Never had pains in my arms prior to pmr, mainly in upper arm. Like today I have done nothing and the pains are in the right arm.

      Had ultrasound and exray nothing, but this started with pmr.

  • TIsser
    TIsser

    Posted

    Thanks for info Eileen, I have had carpal tunnel in right hand which is fine now after surgery, had a test on both hands and was advised both sides were problematical thinking this was causing left side probs had injection in left hand which sorted I, it was not long after the pmr really got hold and caused severe pain in the usual manner. I have appointment with dr. And rhumy will mention it to them.  Only have one naproxen on occasion. 
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