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Any of you with PMR also have afib and on blood thinners?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Hello everyone. I am a 70 year old male in pretty good health (so I think.) I have A-fib and take Eliquis. My PMR diagnosis is still being worked up but it sure is looking to be a good diagnosis. I had sent messages to all my specialists that my rheumatologist was starting me on prednisone. It is my cardiologist that is saying (for now) "hold on". I am going to say that my PMR started last October with severe pain in my left bicep. Pain and range of motion limitations quickly moved to the other side bicep and shoulders. Now it is also in my hips. About 5 months ago I developed swelling (both sides) in my calfs, ankles, feet. A cause could not be found. I went in to my shoulder specialist for steroid injections in my shoulders and in one of the 4 fingers I exhibit trigger finger. Two days later I noticed my legs were not so swollen. By the end of the 5th day all swelling was gone. My major symptom is the bicep pain that i mention along with the feeling that I just had a major gym workout, my body is so sore. I hope to by coming to this forum learn about the PMR condition. I see many writing about flare ups and good and bad days. For me it has been one continuous bad day since last October. Thanks.
Replies to "Hello everyone. I am a 70 year old male in pretty good health (so I think.)..."
I’m on Eliquis for a blood clot, but have been on prednisone forPMR as well. I’m having all kinds of side effects, but can’t be without prednisone due to horrible spine pain. I have been suffering with this for a year and a half, and the only thing that makes it bearable is prednisone. Mornings are still bad, but I start to feel better by the afternoon.i hope to be pain free one day, but I’m 84, so who knows???
@orangecat Love your user name ! Orange cat photos are all over the internet : ) I'm curious what has happened since between your cardiologist and your rheumatologist in regard to to taking Prednisone.
Is/was your body only " so sore" first thing in the morning ? And sort of like in Ground Hog Day the next morning was exactly the same? If you indeed started on Prednisone ,and if the dose is optimal ,it is likely you are now miraculously free of morning stiffness.
there are two references I like to share -
check out the slides in PMRandIL6.com and videos in the resources tab.
impediment to living life pone (impediment-to-living-life-pone.0126758.pdf)
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I'm just wondering why it is the cardiologist that is saying "hold on." Does the cardiologist have reservations about you starting prednisone?
There is some debate about prednisone "causing" or exacerbating pre-existing a-fib. There are other cardiovascular side effects of being on Prednisone. One side of the debate says prednisone is the blame and the other side says inflammation from PMR is the blame. I'm mostly curious about what your cardiologist thinks.
I don't take any side in the debate other than thinking maybe it is the combination of the systemic inflammation of PMR and being on Prednisone. I don't have a-fib but I had cardiovascular problems since PMR was diagnosed and starting Prednisone.