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PMR flareup in my buttock or sciatica?

Posted , 11 users are following.

rapha
rapha

Yesterday I started with a pain in my buttock and was convinced it was sciatica.  I have had it now and then over the years and it has always gone with diclofenac after a couple of days.  I did not have a good night with it last night and as today has worn on it is excruciatingly painful. I have only been taking paracetamol for it.  Even when I pull my my jeans it is AGONY!!!!!  As though raising my arms is sticking a knife in my right buttock.  QUESTION!  Does PMR make sciatica much much worse OR could this be a flare up although it is much worse than the pain I had in my buttock pre diagnosis?  

1 like, 67 replies

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  • Kassie_beetle
    Kassie_beetle rapha

    Posted

    Hello Rapha,

    I am so glad to hear that your pain has improved. I am also please to hear that the xrays excluded metasteses. That must have been really scary for you.I was talking to a nursing colleague of mine about the sneezing episode doing damage to the muscle. Neither of us have heard of this before.  The sneezing  has usually led to  people sustaining back pain and sciatica. The muscles can spasm and the nerve can get caught in the buttock muscles causing that nasty leg pain. Off to the physio and see what they say. Do you take Calcium supplements? PMR and prednisone can leach calcium from  bones. I don't know if the Alendronic Acid leaches Calcium but I do know that the general opinion form the forum is to resist taking it because of very unwanted side effects. I shall share my own experience with you. Doctors have been trying to get me onto the A/Acid for years but I have resisted. I have had parathyroid surgery and don't produce any calcium. I take 4 calcium tabs per day. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis some yeards ago. Over the years I have had Dexa scans which have remained stable but the last one I had showed some improvement which my doctor said was due to taking the calcium. You need to have your Vit. D level checked if it hasn't been done before

    I am sure others will come on board with their support and knowledge. I am off to bed now but always check my Ipad during the night as like many other PMR sufferers I don't sleep very well. keep us posted.

    Hugs and kisses to you.

    Kathy.

    • rapha
      rapha Kassie_beetle

      Posted

      I take the calcium and vit d chewable tablets prescribed by the doctor.  2 to be chewed once a day.  That's all I take.  I do eat yogurt, cheese and drink milk.  I love dairy products.  Thanks for the hugs and kisses, don't we just need them sometimes. Every blessing.  
    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK rapha

      Posted

      Just a quick one - do you have the two Calicuim+D3 in one go?  Also they should not be taken with the steroids.  Rule of thumb preds for breakfast, calcuim for lunch and dinner.

       

    • rapha
      rapha Oregonjohn-UK

      Posted

      Hello oregonjohn I take natecal D3, I have been told to take both of them at lunch and I take the steroids at breakfast.
    • Kassie_beetle
      Kassie_beetle rapha

      Posted

      Hello Rapha,

      I have an abundant supply of hugs and kisses so let me know if you need some. I assume your GP is going to monitor your Calcium levels. If it continues to be too low then he/she may want to do a Parathormone level.(Just a simple blood test) But all being well things may correct themselves. You should do some research on the A/Acid so that you can make an informed decision whether to continue it or not. You certainly have had a lot to deal with. Look forward to hearing about your progress.

      Cheers

      Kathy

    • EileenH
      EileenH rapha

      Posted

      See my reply to Barbara about taking them separately.
  • barbara75814
    barbara75814 rapha

    Posted

    Oregon John:

    No one told me not to take the calcium/Vit. D pill separately from the pred, so of course I have been swallowing everything together. Can you tell me why we're not supposed to do that? Thanks, Barbara Y.

    • Oregonjohn-UK
      Oregonjohn-UK barbara75814

      Posted

      There is a reaction when the two are taken together.  The preds don't work as well if calcium is taken at the same time.  Eileen will no doubt explain better in medical terms.  The instructions on the calcium state 'Adults and Elderly 2 chewable tablets a day, preferably one tablet morning and evening'  I believe so it is easier to absorb in the stomach
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey barbara75814

      Posted

      Barbara, yes, as Oregonjohn has said - Pred and calcium should be taken a few hours apart from each other otherwise the calcium can interfere with the absorption of the Pred.
    • EileenH
      EileenH barbara75814

      Posted

      ...and you should take the 2 tablets separately as the body only absorbs so much calcium at one time. Plus you need a little bit of fat to transport the calcium from the gut better. So pred for breakfast, clcium for lunch and tea/dinner.
    • rapha
      rapha EileenH

      Posted

      That's it....I wasn't told to take the calcium one at a time or with fat so with effect from tomorrow calcium for lunch and dinner.  Thanks Eileen.
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