PMR appears in people with Commonalities, by chance?
Sometimes I wonder if the diseases that pick us are related to our past history or current lifestyles—or just environmental factors? It would make an interesting study. I first noticed this when my late husband had a flare up of polio after a 40-year hiatus. It affected both his legs on the 2nd go round instead of one as was his original experience. Then later, when he developed Parkinson’s, several of his classmates (they kept in touch) fell to it too. Finally in my caregivers’ group as we got to know each other, one lady remarked, all of our husbands are “controllers” in their professions (engineers, scientists, dentists, businessmen)—close detail work. In our PMR world, I think of all the gardeners and athletes among us—physically hard working types who probably push past their limits fairly frequently. Could that be a cause or correlation? Did any of you share my bad habits of drinking wine (frequently) as an adult, or did you drop acid or smoke a lot of pot when you were a teen? What if this is an after-affect? I also smoked straight cigarettes as a young g woman. Not prying…just curious. No need to answer. Obviously not cause and effect, but maybe a close correlation? 🤔
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Once my hypothyroidism started it took several years before I got on the right dose of medications. It turned out that I needed some T3 supplementation in addition to the levothyroxine. So I take a small dose of Cytomel every day along with the levothyroxine, and it makes a huge difference.
Never taken a statin in my life and I am well past 60 with PMR. Gave up refined sugar 3 years ago and my Lipid Panel is beautiful. Statins may be a contributing factor in your case but I suspect there are several other factors at play. I also suspect that your sugar intake contributes to the inflammation that PMR causes. Sugar is a food that every anti-inflammatory diet says to limit.
Yeah, I've never had a statin either.
I smoked pot no wine but alcohol I partied a lot but I still think it came from shots like Covid or flu shots
I've never smoked or done drugs. I did some binge drinking in my late teens and early 20s. I've only been a rare social drinker since. About twenty years ago I had Epstein Barr virus. Shortly after I developed hypothyroidism. It's been downhill since.
Thanks so much for your post! I followed your YouTube recommendation and watched the great interview w/Dr Mate and Mel Robbin’s. So very relevant and helpful! I am grateful to you. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting. I’ll bring it up with my dr at our next follow up visit (next week!)
I, too, feel my grandmother had PMR, but prednisone just wasn't available for her. She walked with a horrible limp and could barely move her arms due to shoulder pain. So, genetics? Yes, I believe there's some predestination.
I'm a runner of 52 years and have wondered if environment/past inspired this nasty disease. I am also a DES baby (my mother took Diethylstilbestrol while pregnant with me 68 years ago which can cause, among a myriad of other side effects, autoimmune diesase.) I have always been a high-energy, nervous, stressed-out person.
I searched for a study regarding this to partake in as I live in the Raleigh area where a ton of universities are located. Couldn't get in.
I'm am now on an anti-inflammatory diet and still exercising. Reducing prednisone (now at 6.5 mg) is tough. I've had pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and bouts of anger!!! (I've pretty much given up everything I love. Just don't hint about giving up coffee. I mean it. I'll go beserk!!!!! It's my last vice---well, not according to my husband and kids, but really it is.)
My biggest challenge? No one understands. People look at me like, you have arthritis, so what?
Ugh, some golden years.
There are so many maladies that are invisible. One lesson to be gained in dealing with one (or more!) is compassion. Through this experience we learn to give the benefit of the doubt and allow others to care for themselves in a way that meets their needs without surrounding them with negative judgment. I’m with you!
Nor I. I have never been on a statin. In fact, no drug really until the prednisone.