1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Low iron levels and PMR

Posted by frenchfrank51 @frenchfrank51, Mar 10 3:38am

Hello all.

I've just been diagnosed with PMR following a recent blood test that showed various anomalies, some of which were way out of the normal ranges. CRP, for example was at 178 when the reference range is less than 5. All of these anomalies I've never had before. They came out of the blue although I've been feeling unwell for a while.

One area where levels were too low was my "iron panel". Most of my iron, ferritin, transferrine levels were either too high or too low. I've asked my rhumatologist if I need to supplement with iron while it's low but she told me it's low because of high levels of inflammation (which I agree with) but she told me there's no need to supplement.
But, having low levels of iron, short or long term can cause some of the symptoms of PMR itself.

Has anyone had any experience in this aspect of PMR? I'm just wondering if I should supplement with iron tablets and whether that may help in some way.

Thanks in advance.

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

maye | @maye | 4 days ago
In reply to @frenchfrank51 "Thanks maye. My PMR was only diagnosed because of a single blood test that showed the..." + (show)
@frenchfrank51

Thanks maye.
My PMR was only diagnosed because of a single blood test that showed the elevated CRP, Sed rate and a host of other things that have always been in range.

I have been checked for GCA, had scans, MRI 's, xrays, checking for vascular problems, infections etc but GCA has been ruled out. The stopped short of doing the biopsy because they thought it wasn't necessary after performing all the other tests.

My CRP has gone down from the 178 to 17 a week ago. I've gone down front 60mg of prednisone to 10 but the pain and stiffness comes back at that level. So I've had to go up to 15 for the past few days. Not what I want to do but I can barely move otherwise.

I have to test for iron again in about six weeks and if it's still low I'll get my rhumatologist to give supplements a thought. It'd be better if I tested for it sooner of course.

Good health to you too.

Jump to this post

@frenchfrank51
That’s really good to know GCA has been investigated and ruled out.
Impressive drop in CRP !

Glad you’re on to it and in consultation with your rheumatologist.

REPLY
joan7 | @joan7 | 3 days ago

If you are not sure whether to supplement with Iron, maybe try eating foods rich in Iron. For instance, Choose iron-rich foods such as Red meat, pork and poultry · Seafood · Beans · Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach · Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots (per Mayo Clinic).
Here is more info from Mayo Clinic if you want to try the iron supplements. Just click on or input this link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355040. I hope this helps!

REPLY
Teri | @tsc | 2 days ago

Hi @frenchfrank51, I had PMR ,then GCA, undiagnosed for a year. I complained of extreme fatigue, and blood tests showed me to be anemic. I spoke to a smart doctor friend who told me what tests to press my PCP to do, specifically for inflammation. My inflammation markers were off the charts! I also got a temporal artery biopsy which confirmed GCA.
Anemia is one of the conditions associated with PMR/GCA. It's called "Anemia of Chronic Inflammation" and resolves with appropriate treatment for PMR/GCA. Mine did.
From what I've read supplementing with iron can be risky, and as your rheumatologist mentioned, it's not necessary.

REPLY
maye | @maye | 1 day ago

Ditto @tsc
Your diagnosis of PMR and then GCA experience is very much the same as mine .

With regards to the associated anemia , it was anti inflammatory treatments that quickly turned my around anemia.

It’s well documented that Iron supplements unfortunately can’t resolve anemia of chronic inflammation.

REPLY
2 replies
maye | @maye | 1 day ago
In reply to @maye "Ditto @tsc Your diagnosis of PMR and then GCA experience is very much the same as..." + (show)
@maye

Ditto @tsc
Your diagnosis of PMR and then GCA experience is very much the same as mine .

With regards to the associated anemia , it was anti inflammatory treatments that quickly turned my around anemia.

It’s well documented that Iron supplements unfortunately can’t resolve anemia of chronic inflammation.

Jump to this post

Correction:
“Turned my anemia around “

REPLY
1 reply
Teri | @tsc | 1 day ago
In reply to @maye "Correction: “Turned my anemia around “" + (show)
@maye

Correction:
“Turned my anemia around “

Jump to this post

I'm glad you got appropriate treatment, @maye, as did I.
My PCP wanted to schedule a colonoscopy to see where I was losing blood!
How are you doing now?

REPLY
maye | @maye | 1 day ago

Ha ha same same . Haemoglobin dropped suddenly enough to think maybe I was bleeding.

Thanks @tsc I’m great now, in remission & have been for last 3 months or so . No PMR / GCA symptoms and inflammation markers and Haemoglobin normalised .

I’ve had three & half months on pred , along side immediate start Actemera weekly subcutaneous (4 half mths so far ) Finished pred a month ago.

I’m grateful to have had such a good PMR / GCA treatment run so far . Attentive and knowledgeable Rheumatologist too.
Still I’m always hyper vigilant for any emerging symptoms and / or any long term side effects of pred and / or Actemera.

And how are you @tsc ? Returning to pre PMR/ GCA health I’m hoping.

REPLY
kristinareb | @kristinareb | 17 hours ago
In reply to @maye "Ditto @tsc Your diagnosis of PMR and then GCA experience is very much the same as..." + (show)
@maye

Ditto @tsc
Your diagnosis of PMR and then GCA experience is very much the same as mine .

With regards to the associated anemia , it was anti inflammatory treatments that quickly turned my around anemia.

It’s well documented that Iron supplements unfortunately can’t resolve anemia of chronic inflammation.

Jump to this post

What an interesting response! I have had anemia to the point I was having infusions. I have not previously known that anemia was associated with PMR. Can you point me to some references for this? My treating physicians have been on the hunt for this "secret bleed" for years to no avail! Thank you -- much appreciated.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 16 hours ago
In reply to @kristinareb "What an interesting response! I have had anemia to the point I was having infusions. I..." + (show)
@kristinareb

What an interesting response! I have had anemia to the point I was having infusions. I have not previously known that anemia was associated with PMR. Can you point me to some references for this? My treating physicians have been on the hunt for this "secret bleed" for years to no avail! Thank you -- much appreciated.

Jump to this post

Hi @kristinareb, Welcome to Connect. Here's one reference but I'm sure there are others.
-- How to Manage, Treat Anemia of Inflammation in Patients with Rheumatic Disease
https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/manage-treat-anemia-inflammation-patients-rheumatic-disease/2/
Do you have a rheumatologist that you can talk with to see if they have suggestions?

REPLY
1 reply
sticksandbugs | @sticksandbugs | 16 hours ago

I was diagnosed October 2024, and because my RBCs were low (ferritin normal) I asked to start Vit B12, which I have been taking daily. Last week for the first time my iron was low so family doc put me on iron supplements. I was interested to see the information in this thread and will be asking my rheumatologist about iron when I see her end of month. Thanks to you all!

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.