Anyone with polymyalgia rheumatica?

[LoveFall]

Hi,

I am 66 and have ulcerative colitis, well controlled on the biologic Entyvio. Basically in remission.

I have always had joint pains that I and doctors blame on my colitis. But after a tough year with surgery etc. I seem to have more pain. Low back, hands, shoulders, both knees etc. i feel like I seize up when I sit down for too long.

It is really limiting my activity as frankly exercising when it hurts is not fun. DH thinks I just need to get fit and keeps prescribing walks with the dog. I do walk him, just not far.

I also have asthma. Two weeks ago I had to take prednisone (30 mg) for an asthma flare. My joint pains disappeared completely and I felt must more able to do things. It was a nice gift. I am off it now and of course the pains are back.

I do not, at all, want to end up on prednisone. I have taken my fill due to colitis pre-biologic days.

If you have polymyalgia, what are your symptoms? Did or do you take prednisone for it? Did it actually go away after a time?

Thanks in advance.

My sister has had it ,her symptoms were hip and shoulder pain and lack of movement , she was treated with prednisilone and then tapered the dose when she felt she could . When she’d been off the prednisilone for a few months it recurred so she did it all again and has been ok since . Ask your GP to do the blood test for it .

I have PMR, diagnosed circa 8 years ago, am now in early 40’s. I was fairly bad for a few years, struggling with all movement and pain in legs. I was on prednisone for years, weight massively increased but it did help. Eventually I took myself off them cold turkey (not advised!) as fed up of weight (still not lost it though!). It’s been up and down for a few years then last year I stopped drinking cows milk and within 2.5 days the inflammation and stiffness had massively decreased. It’s still not completely gone but definitely vastly improved from where I was at diagnosis 8 years ago.

Thanks to both of you. I have a gp appointment at the end of January and will ask. I am not happy at the idea of prednisone as I gain weight that I don't need and can't sleep but if I need a low dose to get active again it might be worth it.

The pain is quite unpleasant and limiting. I find myself sitting way too much. Mind you, my sweet little lap dog loves it.

My MIL had this in her late 60's also. I don't know her exact meds from that time or treatment but do recall the prednisolone made her face rather puffy though. She was very stiff and achy. She got a jucuzzi and a steam shower and found both very helpful in easing everything. Within 2yrs (maybe less) she was back to normal. Have you tried acupuncture or osteopathy to help too?