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Sore shoulders and hips. Increase pred?

Posted , 6 users are following.

doreen25667
doreen25667

I have not visited the site for some ime, feeling fairly well. Diagnosed two years ago with GCA, started on 40mg pred, now reduced to 2mg. Developed painful shoulders, hips and legs, mainly at night. Should I increase pred, or is this something else altogether?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • karenjaninaz
    karenjaninaz doreen25667

    Posted

    Doreen, I would consult with your rheumatologist.  I, personally, don't like to manipulate a powerful drug like prednisone, without permission and feedback from my physician-- and I am a retired nurse anesthetist. The reason is th at physicians see many patients and can observe symptom patterns in them. I always try to partner with my physician; if he is not amenable to that and I lose confidence in him then I find a different Doctor.
  • veronica81435
    veronica81435 doreen25667

    Posted

    Is there another drug you could try along with the low dose ? That's what hoping as I'm suffering on 12 and half pred . 
  • Guest
    Guest doreen25667

    Posted

    Maybe you need to ask your rheumy if you may also have PMR. I am only GCA and have had no hip/shoulder issues since the original biopsy when my neck hurt. Good luck....go to rheumy!🏥 Ann11195
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey doreen25667

    Posted

    Doreen, if you haven't experienced this body pain in the past along with your GCA symptoms, then it could mean that you are unfortunately developing PMR, although such pains would usually not be confined to night time but endure throughout the day as well.  However, if you have experienced similar pain previously which has just returned following your latest steroid dose reduction then it could just mean that you have reduced a little too far for now.  Either way, if you are someone who had raised markers of inflammation in your ESR and CRP blood tests at diagnosis, then do ask for repeat tests.  Meanwhile, if it was me I would increase my dose by a few mgs - if that resolved things, you would have your answer.
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy doreen25667

    Posted

    Have you talked to your doctor and had recent blood test, this should help? As Mrs O says going up a bit with your pred and seeing if it helps may give you an answer. You sometimes feel things are worse at night as you are more aware of things with nothing to distract you. 
    • doreen25667
      doreen25667 ptolemy

      Posted

      hanks to all who responded to my query. Been to see GP this pm and he has suggested that pain in hips, shoulders and legs is arthritis. He did not think a blood test was needed as the last one came back ok ( November). I have been given medication and will see him again in 3/4 weeks. Will keep you updated on my progress!
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy doreen25667

      Posted

      Hi Doreen, at least you now have a diagnosis. Have you thought of asking for a copy of your blood test results. I always get mine as I am nosey and want to know what is going on! I hope the medication works.
  • judy20492
    judy20492 doreen25667

    Posted

    Doreen,

    You said your blood work in November was ok. That doesn't mean it would be ok today. It is unlikely you would have pain on both sides in the major muscles that are affected by PMR.

    I would ask the doctor to run ESR & CRP tests for inflammation. Or you could increase your Pred to 10-15mg for one week.  If that relieves the pain, you know it is PMR. Bear in mind, some people do not have positive readings for inflammation.

    I have osteoarthritis and PMR, I can generally tell one from the other, as my PMR pain is usually bi-lateral (both sides) and my arthritis is in different joints. (I have had 2 knees replaced, and one hip) now due for the other hip and right shouler.

    I hope you get some resolution for your pain.

    All the best,

    Judy

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