Thank you...
Posted , 4 users are following.
Thank you to those who responded to my question re pre-diagnosis. It has been very useful to hear the different experiences people have had. I'll await the results of the blood test and let you know the outcome. Just one thing, if I need steriods - can the GP prescribe that and have oversight of me or do I need to be referred to a rheumatoligist.
Thank you again.
0 likes, 5 replies
tavidu ailsa29683
Posted
erika59785 tavidu
Posted
EileenH ailsa29683
Posted
As you have started a new thread I can't remember if I mentioned these posts:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-and-other-website-addresses-35316
In the first post on the thread you will find a link to a paper by the Bristol rheumatology group which is specifically aimed at GPs to add to their knowledge of diagnosing and managing PMR without recourse to a consultant. Your GP may like to read it even if he does know about PMR.
jane0118 ailsa29683
Posted
Your GP should be able to treat you,following the BSR guidelines. you should only be referred if you meet the criteria, ie are under age 60, have very high bloods ie over 100 for ESR or CRP, have night symptoms etc. or you do not improve with standard treatment.
Most GPs treat PMR well, monitor the symptoms with you and help you step down the steroids in an appropriate time.
i started treatment last month and I am feeling so much better. I can get out of bed, get dressed, get in the shower and have even started driving again. A word of warning, do not do too much. I still get very fatigued, so plan to do less, and do not do anything you can get someone else to do. I took my son out yesterday afternoon and ended being a helper at the community group, doing the washing up, putting away the tables etc, I got home at 5pm and could have gone to bed!
My Rheumatologist at the local hospital is great, and they saw me within 3weeks as I am 50, and had could not walk my symptoms were so severe. She will see me again in March as she is concerned I may have an atypical presentation of RA which starts off as Myalgia ie muscle pain rather than joint paint. So far so good, my joints are not swollen, and my X-rays show no erosion in my hands or feet.
Good luck, Jane
EileenH jane0118
Posted