After bloodwork yesterday, today I was diagnosed with PMR – polymyalgia rheumatica. Here’s what Google says about PMR:
An inflammatory disorder causing severe stiffness and pain in the shoulders, neck and hips, primarily affecting adults over 50. It is commonly treated with corticosteroids resulting in rapid improvement though treatment may last 1-3 years. Symptoms are worst in the morning and often improve throughout the day.
Key Symptoms
- Stiffness and pain
- Extreme morning stiffness
- Functional difficulty – trouble lifting arms, getting out of bed or rising from a chair.
The exact cause is unknown but it is considered an autoimmune, inflammatory condition. Lupus is included in this type of condition with other differences.
This isn’t a death sentence and really it could be so much worse. I personally requested the two blood tests from my Dr. because my mom had PMR and I began to recognize the symptoms quite a few months ago. Then in December I hurt both rotator cuffs and I convinced myself that’s why I hurt so much.
My SED rate was 111 and it should be under 20 so it’s very conclusive. I will start a high dose of Prednisone tomorrow morning. It will likely affect my sleeping so I need to take it early in the day.
Tomorrow I’m going for an MRI on my shoulders. So I really have two things going on here – PMR and rotator cuff pain.
My mom took Prednisone for over a year – the dose is steadily decreased to the point of being able to stand the pain at the lowest dose possible. Then when she stopped after awhile the PMR returned so she had to take Prednisone again. Oh my, you know how many side effects there are – weight gain!!!!
Becky asked if any doctors over the years had suggested testing me for PMR. Of course not – it would never have occurred to me to mention pain in my shoulders, arms, hips and back. I LIVE ON AN ACREAGE for cryin out loud! I’m used to hard physical work – I’m quite sure I’ve had this a long time but when my shoulders were hurting so bad since December when I lifted the bags of feed, I just blamed the lifting. I cannot imagine what a doctor would have said to me when I told him my arms and legs hurt! Hahah! They’d have looked at me like I was an idiot!
Well, so that’s my news and I can’t wait to feel better!!
Hi Mary. I have terminal cancer with a rare tag along autoimmune disease. My oncologist is just a couple of years from retirement and I’m only the second patient he’s seen like me. He got me a ton of specialists who all have specialists they can contact if need be. And medical science has come so far so be Hope filled!
I miss the things I used to be able to do as I was very active. So the best thing all these docs have done for me is pallitive care. It’s all sorts of additional options they can offer you, including mental health help to adjust to the losses. If your docs mention it to you grab on and do it. Wishing you peace and return to good health! Remember you have already proven you are strong and brave!
Meylonie – oh my goodness, thank you! I will remember your advice. My oncologist is young and I’m glad he’ll be with me as long as I need him!
Having a diagnosis is a relief, pain is not fun. I hope you get relief with the prednisone and can get back to living your best life.
I’m so sorry that you have been in so much pain. It must be a relief to have a diagnosis . Now you can start on the road of recovery.
Mary,
I’m glad you finally have a diagnosis and a plan of treatment for your pain. It is fortunate that you were familiar with PMR and were able to prod your doctor to run the appropriate tests. I had never heard of it before and wouldn’t have known enough to question a doctor about a diagnosis. Another benefit of your blog and the sharing information and support you provide. Hope you are feeling better soon. Lots of Iowa basketball this evening though Iowa seems to be having trouble with Nebraska at the moment.
Karen C. In MD
Karen – I get the feeling my Dr has not ever had a patient with PMR – he was nicer to me when he found out I was right – haha!
I hope you get relief Mary to enjoy spring time and being outside with your activities you like being on the farm. It’s too much work though when you don’t feel well so now that you know what’s going on, be good to yourself.
You’re the third person this week I know being tested for autoimmune diseases.
Doctors must be listening to patients with symptoms.
Kathy – my Dr only listened when I requested and then insisted on the telling blood test. I think he’ll see me in a different light now
Mary, I’m glad you finally have a diagnosis and a course of treatment to address your pain. It is fortunate that you were familiar with this condition and were able to prod your physician into diagnosing your condition. I have never heard of this before and wouldn’t have had any idea to raise it with my doctor. That’s another benefit of your blog and helping us all make it through these days the best we can and with cheerful thoughts and ideas from everyone. Go Iowa, though not looking to good at the moment. (6 minutes to go in the first half)!
Karen Cyr
In Maryland
Mary, I certainly hope this works for you. No one needs severe pain in their life, especially someone who has as much to do and as many animals to care for as you do. God bless you!
I am glad you were able to get a diagnosis for your pain. Its also great to have a treatment for it I have been on prednisone myself and the insomnia was the side affect for me. It didn’t help my condition but I will be going to Mayo clinic in June so hopefully they can figure it out. I would guess that you are so busy with your animals and everything else that you do that the weight gain won’t be a problem.
Mary, hope you find comfort in your diagnosis and that you now have a plan. I too have realized that you need to advocate for yourself when visiting the doctor. I’m not ready to be told that “It’s part of getting old.” I think that because you are so active that you will fare well through this. Wishing you well.
Glad you got a diagnosis for the pain! Hopefully the prednisone will reduce it greatly. These autoimmune diseases are real buggers – i struggle with RA and have been on one drug then another then a cocktail – all trail and error. Here’s to better days ahead Mary! Keep us posted ♥️
Glad that you have some answers and a plan of attack. I’ve never had to take Prednisone and I know it has side effects, but from what I understand, it works miracles. I sure hope it works well for you and helps with the pain you have been experiencing. Hugs and best wishes.
I am sorry to hear this, but hopefully the prednisone will help you. It’s too easy to ignore the pain and just blame it on not stretching enough. At least that’s what I do. We all have to ask our doctors the tough questions. What can this be? Hopefully knowing will bring you peace.
Glad they found something and have a plan to tackle it. I have been taking prednisone because it was given to me for shoulder pain. Found by taking it my voice returned so I have severe inflammation. Maybe I need to be tested for this too! And yes I have been awake an awful lot!
Polly – if I can’t sleep I’m going to get up and sew!!’
Mary, so glad you now know a reason for your discomfort. Going forward meds of one form or another should be a great help. It’s sad that when we get to ‘our age’ our discomforts are because of what we do or don’t do- according to a lot of doctors. Too bad we have to almost self diagnose. Prayers for fast relief.
I’m sure it’s a relief to finally have a diagnosis for all of your pain. Praying the medication keeps you pain free.
Oh, Mary. I’m so sorry for your pain issues. However, having a Dr. to find the cause is such a relief.
Knowing what this is, means help is on the way. My wish is for that medicine to give you incredible relief.
Knowing before summer is also a plus.
The wilderness trail, the rock garden, your mower all are looking forward to your pain free return.
I’m sorry to hear this, but at least you have a diagnosis. And I hope the steroids get rid of the pain!
As has been said and felt by others, there’s a certain level of relief in having a name for what you’re experiencing! Keep a detailed journal of times of medication, side effects, and any adjustments and results. I found this to be invaluable when caring for my mom and going to appointments. Wishing you relief!
There is relief with having a specific diagnosis, isn’t there? So glad you suggested the blood tests that got you to this point. No more guessing and “what ifs”, just a plan of treatment to move forward.
God bless you through it all!
So sorry for this news. I hope they can get this under control soon and you feel better.
An explanation for the pain is good to have. Here’s hoping the prednisone will relieve the pain right away.
Prayers for pain relief and no side effects and your MRI will not show an injury.
I hope that just knowing what is going on will be somewhat helpful. I wasn’t crazy about a diagnosis I got a few years ago, but I was so thrilled to finally have an explanation for what had been going on for years and to finally have a plan for addressing it.
I pray the prednisone helps quickly with all the pain you’ve been suffering. Thank you for letting us know your diagnosis.
Erin – I, too, am almost relieved to have an answer because I know this has been going on for many years actually with breaks in between. I remember when I told one doctor how I felt and she just made fun of me and said – oh, you’re just depressed. It’s nothing
Mary, it must be a relief to have a diagnosis. Prayers that the pain will now be managed and that the side effects won’t be too severe.
Thank goodness you got a diagnosis! My dad developed PMR at 90. He also took prednisone for most of a year, but he did get good relief. He had an excellent rheumatologist who helped a lot. Sorry you have to be on prednisone but hope you feel better!
Sue – I’d rather be on Prednisone than be in extreme. Pain 24/7
Relieved you finally have a diagnosis and prednisone will provide relief. Perhaps Prednisone can relieve the rotator cuff pain as well and surgery can be avoided.
What a relief it must be to have an answer after all this time. Prayers for speedy relief from pain. We are blessed to live in a time when medical science can diagnose and treat such disorders. In the old days, people just had to live with it.
Mary, I hope you will be feeling better soon and can do the things you want without pain.
Hi Mary
Praying for your complete healing, wisdom for the doctors and no side affects from the medication🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌺
Bea knight
Glad you got to the root of it….. now to feel better! Praying you do soon with minimal side effects from the Prednisone.
Feel better soon.
Hi Mary, I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis but glad you finally have one. My husband had an onset of PMR about 7 years ago. He was prescribed prednisone and after the first dose felt so much better that he thought it was a miracle. He has since been prescribed methel trexate which I administer IM once a week. He will be on it for the rest of his life but he is able to function without pain. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Bonnie in SE CT
Bonnie – oh, thank you! Why did he stop Pred and change to methyl…
Hi Mary, l hope things will improve now,this getting old is not easy! I need my walker seat when visiting, ordinary seats are difficult to get out of, and my own toilet high seat! Don’t want to get stuck trying to get up! Best to stay home and relax in my easy chair! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
I am happy you have a diagnosis and a plan Mary. Life will improve for you.
Will say a few prayers and send your way.
Is it possible to slow down just a bit? Ha!
Take care.
Shirley from central Oregon
Shirley – slower than sitting all day?????
I’m so sorry that you’re continuing to experience pain. I hope the prednisone helps with minimal side affects! I know from experience that it messes with sleep which I have struggled with for years. Prayers.
Mary, Finally an explanation for the pain! Many prayers that the drugs start working immediately with little or no side effects!!
If the doctor didn’t mention it, always take prednisone with food. And like he said early in the morning. I hope it helps you. And whatever the MRI shows, I hope you can fix it without surgery. Prayers for you.
🙏53