PMR in the USA: just thought you'd like to know how many we are...
Posted , 17 users are following.
Amy Oshier Health Reporter for NBC 2
"It sounds like nothing most people have ever heard of: polymyalgia rheumatica. But more than 700-thousand Americans learned about it the hard way."
I don't know where she got the number, but she quotes Lee Memorial Health System rheumatologist Juan Bustillo.
If the number is corrrect, then we are a large group here in the US!
3 likes, 39 replies
tina-uk_cwall paula63201
Posted
regards, christina
jean39702 paula63201
Posted
I was curious about the entire article and googled it. I don't know if this will work, but here's the link
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/29481963/health-matters-polymyalgia-rheumatica-fast-furious-treatable#.VaEMa_lVhBc
ptolemy jean39702
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tina-uk_cwall jean39702
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jean39702 ptolemy
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ptolemy jean39702
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rapha jean39702
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pat73046 ptolemy
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grandmaDylan pat73046
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EileenH grandmaDylan
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Use your search engine to find more details - and ask a physiotherapist for advice. Bowen therapy can also work well.
LayneTX EileenH
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faye______00403 LayneTX
Posted
I've had four cortisone shots into that area. We have
Pain Management docs here in the states and I think they also
do epidurals for child birth and other deadening for spinal
problems, Not sure I would do that for just "tender spot"
They take x-rays while they are giving shots to show where
to put them. I did get some relief from pinched nerve pain
which is pretty bad.......
EileenH LayneTX
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faye______00403 paula63201
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me until I was diagnosed. I just asked my doc at an appt last
week if he has any other patients with PMR besides me......he thought
for a minute and said one man that could be off pred but insists
on taking lmg per day just in case. Finding this blog and learning
how other patients handle the disease has been a real plus
for me. I was always wanted to talk to someone that had it but
didn't know how to go about finding that person. Interesting
to get those numbers!!!
constance.de paula63201
Posted
Surely someone can start one? You all need to know where to get advice/ help quickly, and where the specialists for PMR are.
We can listen over here, but we don't know too much about the American health services.
Good luck with your research.
Constance
faye______00403 constance.de
Posted
I'm not terribly computer smart, just enough to get by.
There may be some forums in the U.S. but I haven't
found them.....I'm happy with my GP, been going to
him for l7 years and he initially sent me to Rheumy
to get second opinion but I would rather be under
his care. I think I must be very lucky or blessed, I
have never had the severe pain so many others talk
about. I complained about some pain in groin,
thighs, and butt and my doc noticed I had a hard
time getting up out of chair and that rang a bell with him
Tested me right then for sed rate which was 92. I do
find it helpful to hear other's experiences with this
disease.
paula63201 constance.de
Posted
A short explanation of our healthcare system:
Retirees purchase Medicare as their primary insurance for both hospital and other medical services and can buy a supplemental plan from a private insurance company, in addition that would cover some of the cost that Medicare does not (such as some of the medication)
If you are over 65 and still working, Medicare covers only hospitalization. You either purchase the additional insurance at a discount through your job, or you buy it separately if you have not job. You can also have the coverage through a spouse, who has a job.
If you are under 65, you purchase insurance through your job or you can be on a spouses policy. If you have no job, you can buy it. The options are available online (Thank you Affordable Care Act).
Medicaid is available for persons below a certain income level.
Not all doctors (GPs and Specialists) accept Medicare, as the government does not pay as well as insurance companies. Also, doctors and specialists can choose which insurance companies they wish to work with.
So it is up to us, as patients, to read our Medicare manuals, go online, talk to people, look at our insurance company's list of doctors and specialists to find out who we can see and who we may not. We also call the doctors' offices to find out whether they take Medicare. If it is a rheumatologist it is also a good idea to call to find out what autoimmune disorders they treat.
constance.de faye______00403
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You also seem lucky with your pain level. Good for you!
constance.de paula63201
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We used to have private insurance, but when we retired we decided that we could save our money and just joined the public health system. We are VERY satisfied with it.
Thanks for the info!