Does Anyone here Suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

[kimmar067]

I'm very upset - I've been feeling REALLY achy since going to Puerto Rico in August; weird how it came on so suddenly [ I attributed it to the uncomfortable bed]. After unsuccessfully popping Advil like candy, I broke down and I finally went to my doctor, who ran a blood test....turns out that I probably have Polymyalgia Rheumatica, which is a type of autoimmune disease that affects the muscles - mainly, my arms, shoulders, hips, and thighs. So, now I am on a 6-day regimen of a corticosteroid (the generic version of Prednisone) [for the SECOND TIME in two weeks]; I might have to be on a low-dose regimen of it for the next year or so.....great, just great...... It STINKS getting old....and don't even get me started on the joys of a bathroom visit! OUCHIES!

 

[Kitty 34]

Just giving you lots of s Kim. Don't even get me started on getting old............(We really need a gun emoji! )

 

[Kaytie]

The disABILITIES forum has a Community Board https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

 

[kimmar067]

....thanks....

 

[kimmar067]

...

The disABILITIES forum has a Community Board https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

...is this thread going to be moved over to that Board?

 

[Meriweather]

Sorry to hear that, Kim. Hope something works and you feel better soon.
Yep getting old isn't fun......

 

[kimmar067]

....since the last round of meds helped [while I was actually TAKING the meds] the doctor gave me a prescription, which I now take one a day....still in pain, but it's bearable.....and, I have enough to last me while we visit WDW in less than 2 weeks....

 

[Mirielle]

YES!!!!!!! Have had it for about 10 years now. So, sooo sorry to read here that you have it too.

 

[Wishing on a star]

OMG!!! Sending hugs...
I have some afflictions of my own, so I hear ya...

You might want to look into Naltrexone. (Narcan)
Also, a combination of Ibuprofen and pseudoephridine might help.
(Start with an Ibuprofen and 1/2 of a CVS or Advil Cold and Sinus - behind the counter, due to the pseudoephridine)

Insect borne diseases come to mind when I think of joint and body aches. (as well as tropical destinations)
Some are not easily diagnosed due to lack of good blood tests....

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

Insect borne diseases come to mind when I think of joint and body aches. (as well as tropical destinations)
Some are not easily diagnosed due to lack of good blood tests....

MTE. Was Chikungunya ruled out?

 

[Mirielle]

went to my doctor, who ran a blood test....turns out that I probably have Polymyalgia Rheumatica,

Went back and reread your post. *Unless things have changed recently*, there is no blood test to get a diagnosis for PMR. There are MANY blood tests done to rule out other conditions that may mimic it, but after they are ruled out, a sky high sed rate is what clinches it. Is it a rheumatologist that you saw or your primary care physician?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Went back and reread your post. *Unless things have changed recently*, there is no blood test to get a diagnosis for PMR. There are MANY blood tests done to rule out other conditions that may mimic it, but after they are ruled out, a sky high sed rate is what clinches it. Is it a rheumatologist that you saw or your primary care physician?

Agree. My dd is seeing a rheum. and on her second round of bloodwork. Not an easy diagnosis for her.

 

[kimmar067]

Went back and reread your post. *Unless things have changed recently*, there is no blood test to get a diagnosis for PMR. There are MANY blood tests done to rule out other conditions that may mimic it, but after they are ruled out, a sky high sed rate is what clinches it. Is it a rheumatologist that you saw or your primary care physician?

....it is my primary care physician...I have a scheduled appointment to see a rheumatologist....btw, the doctor did mention that my sed WAS abnormally high....