1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

PMR - got it or not ??

Posted , 5 users are following.

groglewis
groglewis

Hi Everybody

I started with a pain in my upper arm spreading down to my hand, the other arm came out in sympathy soon after. After a visit to the Bridlington out of hours clinic and a blood test I was diagnosed with the dreaded PMR. Prior to that I was on Diclofenic for arthritis in the thumbs, Statins for cholesterol, Ramipril for high blood pressure and aspirin to thin the blood. After being diagnosed I was prescribed Prednisolone steroid tablets at 5mg three times a day. I haven't really noticed any improvement and have had very painful hands/fingers and recently a pain just below the knee. My only respite that I feel does any good is to take a Diclofenic to relieve the pains which they do. I appreciate that certain mixes of tablets are a no no but, if they help relieve the pain, is that so bad !! I haven't got the blood test results but, I gather, they were a little elevated. I was told that Steroids were the wonder drug and results were almost instant - not in my case. Do I need a stronger dose ?? I am very concerned about my ability to carry on my job as getting dressed alone is a very painful experience and, being 62, getting another job will be nigh on impossible. Any ideas anybody ??

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • odiecass
    odiecass

    Posted

    It's unusual to be prescribed prednisone three times a day, usually you will take the full 15 mg at the same time in the morning.
  • Lizzie_Ellen
    Lizzie_Ellen

    Posted

    Hi Groglewis,

    Like Odiecass I haven't heard of Prednisilone being prescribed 5mgs three times a day. I had similar symptoms to you and when PMR was diagnosed I was told to take 15mgs Prednisolone in one go straight after breakfast. The relief was almost instant. At the time I was prescribed the steroids I was taking Arthrotec for a knee problem (these are coated diclofenic) and I was told to stop taking these immediately as the combination of the two could cause serious damage to my stomach. Perhaps you should contact your surgery or have a word with your pharmacist just to check it out. Hope you get sorted soon.

    Lizzie Ellen

  • mrs_k
    mrs_k

    Posted

    Hello Groglewis

    I thought I would add my two penny worth in.

    Can I ask what sort of Statin, if Simvastatin check the side effects and ask for a switch.

    On another thread, I posted about the NSAIDs and Steroids and Lizzie Ellen is spot on, the use of NSAIDs and steroids can lead to drug morbidity.

    Chemist's know more about drugs than anyone else, go talk to your friendly chemist about all the medication your on and ask them to check the compatibility. Mine does, each time I am prescribed a new medication.

    Have you been referred to a Consultant Rheumatologist?

    Have you been offered Lanzoprozale or other stomach protection?

    By the way there is a PMR-GCA UK North East Region Support Group located in Middlesbrough. www.pmr-gca-northeast.co.uk

    Good Luck

  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey

    Posted

    Hello Groglewis - I second Lizzie Ellen's warning concerning taking Diclofenac (a very strong anti inflammatory) or any other anti-inflammatory whilst you are taking Prednisolone. If you are still taking the aspirin you mention together with the Diclofenac, that is an added risk for stomach problems. Do check this out immediately with your GP or Pharmacist. Also, it is recommended that the steroids are taken in one daily dose early in the morning........that is the time that your body normally makes its own daily supply of cortisol (steroid). Perhaps then you will, hopefully, have more relief.
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hello Groglewis,

    My pmr is statin induced!!! I had taken Crestor (lowest dose available) for 6-7 yrs. My rheumy says any statin can cause it ... a statin is a statin. My rheumy told me to go off it immediately. My cardiologist told me to stay on it because my cholesterol numbers were so high. Rheumy says he does not like to interfere with another dr, but the statin is for something that MIGHT happen in the future. He says you are hurting now and quality of life is going down and I could get relief only by going off statin. He put me on 10mg pred (all in the morning) November 20 and my sed rate started going down and I didn't hurt!Now sed rate is 15 and he moved me down to 7.5 pred. I am so excited. Hope this info helps.

  • Mrs_G
    Mrs_G

    Posted

    I will join in to Never heard of steroids being take 3 times daily It can definately affect your sleep pattern if taken later in the day Everyone says no to take steroids and NSAIDS so that seem really odd to be prescibed them I would imagine you need much more extensive tests with a Rheumatologist as you have other underlying health problems With PMR I thought it was really a hit first thing with the steroids as that is when we should be making steroid and later in the day we all feel better anyway I would definately speak to a Pharmacist ASAP and go back to the DR after this I do take notes with me to the Dr and write down my bloods each time and try and have my questions ready I am very very lucky to have great Dr but have had the kind in the past who give you a why are you bothering me look !! Best wishes and do as much research as you can before you go back This site is great for help and advise
  • groglewis
    groglewis

    Posted

    Thanks everybody for your replies - very, very informative :D . The main point seems to be my taking 5mg three times a day whereas most replies take the dose in one hit after breakfast - perhaps this is where I am going wrong. I will make an appointment with the Doctor to get this sorted out, I have checked on the boxes of steroids and it definitely states ONE tablet THREE times a day. Regarding the Diclofenic and steroid cocktail, I was warned about possible stomach problems and the Doctor prescribed OMERPRAZOLE Gastro Resistant capsules at the dose of ONE 20mg capsule in the morning. As soon as I get some replies from the Doctor I will add any relevant comments. So far (touch wood) the pains are confined to my hands which is a nuisance as I drive, go fishing, write at work and try DIY.

    NIL DESPERANDUM

    Thanks again everybody :lol:

    George

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.