PMR Flare with New Issues

Posted by marilyncarkner @marilyncarkner, Feb 12 7:02am

I have had PMR for 5 years and GCA for 3
Years.GCA seems under control or gone now PMR flared when I hit 3 /4 mgs alternating.
Additional symptoms with Flare are burning in upper arms and itching like my nerve endings are on fire. My rheumatoid doesn’t see the connection to PMR.
Very very irritating
Anyone else experience this ?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 12 7:32am

What is PMR?

marilyncarkner | @marilyncarkner | Feb 12 7:36am

In reply to @windyshores "What is PMR?" + (show)

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 12 7:55am

Hi Marilyn @marilyncarkner, I'm not aware of any connections with burning and itching in the upper arms with PMR and GCA. It's not uncommon to have multiple autoimmune conditions along with the PMR/GCA. The symptoms you describe, sound a lot like Brachioradial Pruritus.
--- Brachioradial Pruritus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459321/.

Did your rheumatologist offer any suggestions as to the cause or what may help with the burning and itching?

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 12 8:02am

In reply to @marilyncarkner "Polymyalgia Rheumatica" + (show)

For others: GCA is giant cell arteritis (I looked it up). I am not clear on what the 3/4mg alternating refers to.

I have burning, pain and stiffness all over, which started suddenly (I was okay at 6am but full flare at 8am) so was interested in your post. Long history of "paresthesias" and "neuropathy."

Sorry not to be helpful. In my experience doctors don't really understand these sensations and experiences.

Blood testing and biopsy helped with my diagnosis of lupus (which I find questionable) and I have a very high antibody for limited scleroderma. I am afraid I just don't expect answers anymore and get what I can from doctors in the meantime. I am sorry you feel your doc doesn't understand!

marilyncarkner | @marilyncarkner | Feb 12 12:05pm

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Marilyn @marilyncarkner, I'm not aware of any connections with burning and itching in the upper..." + (show)

Thanks so much for this very informative post

pb50 | @pb50 | Feb 12 3:27pm

In reply to @windyshores "For others: GCA is giant cell arteritis (I looked it up). I am not clear on..." + (show)

I assumed that alternating 3/4mg referred to maybe Prednisone?

marilyncarkner | @marilyncarkner | Feb 13 5:30am

In reply to @pb50 "I assumed that alternating 3/4mg referred to maybe Prednisone?" + (show)

Yes 3mg pred and then alternating 4 mgs

marilyncarkner | @marilyncarkner | Feb 13 7:05am

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Marilyn @marilyncarkner, I'm not aware of any connections with burning and itching in the upper..." + (show)

Unfortunately not other than I am already taking

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 13 7:16am

@johnbishop an interesting link on Brachioradial Pruritus. I noted a trigger is sunlight. And that cervical (neck) issues are a cause.

@marilyncarkner do you have neck issues?

The link mentioned meds that can help (Benadryl was actually one of them but down the list) and capsaicin was helpful. I use capcaicin patches. Worth trying!

gila | @gila | Feb 13 9:12am

Well acquainted with skin discomfort. I have PMR and the Morphea form of scleroderma. The skin burning, itching and “electrical zaps” are improved on the prednisone. It does make finding clothing that doesn’t make it worse challenging. Anything with rough texture, tight elastic or rough seams is out. I used Clobetasol sparingly mixed in jojoba oil to problem areas. Sometimes over the counter hydrocortisone is enough to get relief. No hot showers or sun exposure, as that can make it all worse. Hope you find some relief soon!