1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Bilateral Muscle Pain in Arms, Legs, Neck and Shoulders

Posted by 1niceguy @1niceguy, Nov 23, 2023

For the past 6 months I have been suffering from severe bilateral pain and stiffness in my arms, legs, neck and shoulders. I have been to several doctors (2-rheumatologists, Neurologist, endocrinologist, family doctor) and they have done multiple blood tests, some CT scans and an ultrasound of my thyroid, physical examinations etc. The best way I can describe the pain is that it feels like my body was injected with lactic acid (like I did a full body workout without ever having worked out before). It puts me in tears just to take a shower or get dressed. My muscles do not hurt when I touch them, only when I flex them or use them. I do not have joint pain. When it first started 6 months ago it was extreme pain in my upper arms and legs and has since spread to the other areas. My abdomen and back muscles do not seem to be affected. They have ruled out Polymyalgia Rheumatica, lupus and many other things, but cannot figure out what it is. Please help!

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katejaha | @katejaha | Dec 1, 2023

How have your Drs ruled out PMR? There is no real test for it. My rheumatologist told me the only way to know is try a round of prednisone if it’s PMR symptoms will disappear with in a few hrs. I know this to be true and it happened to me. I began 20 mg in Aug and felt good. I’m now down to 5 mg. I did feel symptoms for a few days each time I reduced my dose but resolved after a few days. My Sed rate and PCR blood tests have finally gone to almost normal rates, so I will remain on 5 mg for a while just to prevent any flares.
Good luck hope you can get some answers and help.

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jiminmich | @jiminmich | Dec 6, 2023

What medication were you prescribed? Your plight sound like many of us. You have had the advantage of see rheumatologist and specialized professionals.
Try Prednisone not going to say you will love the journey but it probably better than your currently situation.
We're you vaccinated with Pfizer vaccinations? Just curious??

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2 replies
1niceguy | @1niceguy | Jan 12 5:19pm

After seeing yet another doctor (muscle specialist), he diagnosed me with PMR. He put me on Methotrexate. Waiting to see how this works.

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trimomlewis | @trimomlewis | Jan 13 6:27am

What are your CRP and sed rates? If they are high and you respond positively to prednisone, then it’s most likely PMR. Have you been given prednisone?

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bradninchgirl | @bradninchgirl | Jan 13 9:00am
In reply to @jiminmich "What medication were you prescribed? Your plight sound like many of us. You have had the..." + (show)
@jiminmich

What medication were you prescribed? Your plight sound like many of us. You have had the advantage of see rheumatologist and specialized professionals.
Try Prednisone not going to say you will love the journey but it probably better than your currently situation.
We're you vaccinated with Pfizer vaccinations? Just curious??

Jump to this post

Strange. I started to see real improvements after my second Pfizer Covid shot. I guess, as in pretty much everything, it's different in each individual. Mornings are still a little bit of a challenge but overall I feel so much better. Thank goodness. Best wishes for everyone here, it's a hard journey but it does seem to end. Something I have had a hard time believing until now.

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jampassalem | @jampassalem | Jan 16 8:56am

I had the same feelings. I have been diagnosed with PMR and Celiac. Both gave me a lot of inflammation.

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peach0711 | @peach0711 | Jan 24 11:09pm

I’m so sorry. I have the same issue with intense cramping- even across my chest and abdomen. I have sjorgens and infectious arthritis

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janemcd | @janemcd | Jan 26 9:11pm
In reply to @jiminmich "What medication were you prescribed? Your plight sound like many of us. You have had the..." + (show)
@jiminmich

What medication were you prescribed? Your plight sound like many of us. You have had the advantage of see rheumatologist and specialized professionals.
Try Prednisone not going to say you will love the journey but it probably better than your currently situation.
We're you vaccinated with Pfizer vaccinations? Just curious??

Jump to this post

I got a 2023 Covid 19 vaccine Oct 12, 2023 and 5 days later I was in pain in my neck, shoulders, arms, legs!!!
The Dr took blood test and said it was PMR 😭

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2 replies
kberlyhouse | @kberlyhouse | Jan 27 8:08am
In reply to @janemcd "I got a 2023 Covid 19 vaccine Oct 12, 2023 and 5 days later I was..." + (show)
@janemcd

I got a 2023 Covid 19 vaccine Oct 12, 2023 and 5 days later I was in pain in my neck, shoulders, arms, legs!!!
The Dr took blood test and said it was PMR 😭

Jump to this post

Same thing for me after having COVID infection!

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kberlyhouse | @kberlyhouse | Jan 27 8:16am

I have been having the same pains with weakness in hips and shoulders. Debilitating. After 3 years of struggling (all started with COVID infection Nov ‘20), I have been diagnosed with PMR and Long COVID. I’m functioning Ok on Daily 5mg (weaned down from 40mg) prednisone the past year, but still had muscle pain. and learned that if I avoid eating animal protein I don’t have the muscle pain. Have recently had mycotoxin (mold) testing done and discovered that I have high mycotoxins for 3 types of mold. (One of them actually prevents the processing of animal protein!). Research showing link of those with Long COVID and mold toxicity. About to start the Dr Shoemaker protocol for mold toxin eradication. Keep digging and reading to discover how to regain your health!!

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