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5 years ago I developed an illness that left me very debilitated with low grade fever, crushing fatigue and an inability to get out of my bed or walk without pain. I was given Prednisone and it gave me osteoporosis and I can no longer use that drug for my PMR pain. I weaned off after 8 months and the PMR, Lymes, RA whatever it was did not return until last week. I was not clearly diagnosed because C Reactive protein and Sed rates were elevated but not over the mark where I definitely had PMR or serum negative RA. I am going to a new Rheumatologist this morning. I had to take a Meloxicam 20 minutes ago because the pain is unbearable.
Replies to "5 years ago I developed an illness that left me very debilitated with low grade fever,..."
What illness did you have 5 years ago? Did anyone make a definitive diagnosis 5 years ago or was it all speculative? Make sure you mention this illness when you see the rheumatologist today.
Reactive arthritis derives its name from a "reaction to an infection." I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis about 35 years ago. I was so sick and the lower back pain was unbearable.
Prednisone stopped the pain immediately and I made a full recovery. At the time I was diagnosed I was told that reactive arthritis could do the following:
1) It might happen once and never happen again.
2) It might recur and have a recurring pattern with long periods of remission.
3) It could start to recur more often until it never goes away and becomes chronic.
In my case, reactive arthritis didn't recur until 5 years later. Then it recurred more often until it was chronic. Eventually the extent of the arthritis of my spine was discovered on x-rays and scans.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reactive-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354838
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PMR was diagnosed when I was old enough to have PMR. Reactive arthritis doesn't exclude a person from developing PMR later in life. Having one autoimmune condition increases the risk of developing another.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21624-autoimmune-diseases
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Welcome @dianagcurran, I'm am sorry to hear that the debilitating pain returned. There are a lot of different conditions that mimic PMR so it's good to hear you have an appointment today with a rheumatologist. Hoping you get some answers.
Can you let us know what you find out at your appointment?