1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Precursor symptoms to PMR?

Posted by sticksandbugs @sticksandbugs, Nov 27 9:28am

I was diagnosed with PMR a month ago, after a quick onset of classic symptoms. It hit fast and hard! But, before that, I had been struggling for almost a year with left leg pain (hamstring area) that referred to my knee, very painful, limping etc. I had been seeing an osteopath and massage therapist for treatment. I didn't recall any injury to the hamstring. Now that I've been on prednisone 20 mg/day for a month, my PMR symptoms are slowly resolving, but interestingly the hamstring issue is completely gone! I wonder if it could have been some kind of precursor, or very low level inflammatory issue? Has anybody else noticed 'warning signs' of an impending flare of PMR?

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glinda47 | @glinda47 | Nov 29 10:45pm
In reply to @laurapmr "My symptoms started after a Covid vaccine. While I’m seeing a rheumatologist successfully now with prednisone..." + (show)
@laurapmr

My symptoms started after a Covid vaccine. While I’m seeing a rheumatologist successfully now with prednisone treatment, my primary care, doc advised me, and I totally agree, not to get any more Covid vaccines.

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I'm going to ask mine. I also don't want to get covid. First time I had it, I didn't have a terrible case because I believe the vaccine kept it light. But it wasn't fun in the least. I'm in no hurry to find out how it will be without the vaccine.

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Nov 30 9:48am
In reply to @glinda47 "I am 100% pro science and believe in vaccines. Having said that, I did get my..." + (show)
@glinda47

I am 100% pro science and believe in vaccines. Having said that, I did get my 3rd or 4th covid shot (booster) in Nov '23 and the PMR started in my thighs in Jan '24. I don't think they're related but who knows.
The other thing that occurred about 6 mos prior was that I stepped up my exercise program to include a lot more pressure on my thighs. When the PMR pain hit, I was completely sure that I had over-exercised. Which may have been the case. When it spread to my shoulders, I knew something more was going on.
I do think there are things that cause PMR but no $ to do the research.
I will say I'm iffy about getting the current covid booster. Haven't had any shots of any kind since pmr.
Best to you. Hope your recovery is swift.

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I think they are related I got pmr after covid vaccines

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 1 7:04pm

Yes, before my first attack I almost had knee surgery, then my shoulder hurt. Got cortisone in both . And Al’s my neck hurt. When I woke up one morning I couldn’t use my arms they hurt so much and my shoulders. It was horrible until I went on prednisone.

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 1 7:08pm
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @sticksandbugs, My first time around with PMR started with gout in my right foot that..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @sticksandbugs, My first time around with PMR started with gout in my right foot that got progressively worse which I let go until I finally had pain that felt like it was everywhere and I couldn't walk. Had a referral from my primary care to a rheumatologist who diagnosed my with PMR. The gout turned out to be a different issue and treated with colchicine. The gout went away but the PMR stayed for 3 and 1/2 years. I also started at 20 mg prednisone.

You have plenty of company here on Connect with us PMR folks. You might want to scan through the other PMR discussions to learn what others have shared. Here's a link that lists the other discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=PMR. You can also change the search phrases for specific topics.

Do you keep a daily log of your level of pain in the morning and the dose of prednisone for the day?

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I have kept a daily log for 2 1/2 years. Got down to 6 mg for 2 months then got breast cancer and I had a flare from stress, went up to 11 now on 8mg. Nothing else helps me. Been trying hard to ween off, but the disease is not in remission

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 1 7:13pm
In reply to @glinda47 "I'm going to ask mine. I also don't want to get covid. First time I had..." + (show)
@glinda47

I'm going to ask mine. I also don't want to get covid. First time I had it, I didn't have a terrible case because I believe the vaccine kept it light. But it wasn't fun in the least. I'm in no hurry to find out how it will be without the vaccine.

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I covid twice in th last 2 years and it was better than the taking prednisone for PMR FOR 2 1/2 years

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 1 7:19pm
In reply to @sharon44r "I have kept a daily log for 2 1/2 years. Got down to 6 mg for..." + (show)
@sharon44r

I have kept a daily log for 2 1/2 years. Got down to 6 mg for 2 months then got breast cancer and I had a flare from stress, went up to 11 now on 8mg. Nothing else helps me. Been trying hard to ween off, but the disease is not in remission

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Welcome @sharon44r, Tapering can be difficult without the added worry and stress that you have experienced. Hoping you are able to taper off in the near future. Have you tried making any lifestyle or dietary changes to see if they may help with the tapering?

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 1 8:21pm

I’ve tried to cut down sugar and carbs and eat more protein salmon, since radiation. I really think the stress flares me up, and have a lot in 3 years

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jfannarbor | @jfannarbor | Dec 1 8:23pm

My PMR started 30 years ago. Not due to Covid.

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sharon44r | @sharon44r | Dec 2 10:15am
In reply to @jfannarbor "My PMR started 30 years ago. Not due to Covid." + (show)
@jfannarbor

My PMR started 30 years ago. Not due to Covid.

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Did you ever go in to remission. What do you take for it?

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