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How to address PMR pain while decreasing prednisone
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 6, 2023 | Replies (747)Comment receiving replies
Regarding diagnostic blood tests: Does anyone know of PMR being diagnosed with 3x's normal C-reactive protein results and normal Sed Rate results? In February I started 15 mg prednisone and extreme pain in shoulders, arms, hands, hips and legs disappeared. I could barely move. The C-reactive protein rate dropped to the highest normal level. Dr. began lowering dose every month, and C-reactive protein began raising slightly. I'm now on 8 mg and symptoms began returning at 10mg and continue to get worse. Because the C-protein hovers just above normal, Dr now questions PMR diagnosis and insists I continue to taper even though symptoms are increasing. I read studies at PubMed that say 1-4% of PMR patients can have normal tests. Does anyone have thoughts on this?
Replies to "Regarding diagnostic blood tests: Does anyone know of PMR being diagnosed with 3x's normal C-reactive protein..."
I had the same experience with the test results and with my doctor's response to them. To make a long story short, I finally went to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. You are correct some PMR patients do NOT have normal tests. I was one of them. My dosage of prednisone was increased, and the pain went away.
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Hi @sharync -- Welcome to Connect. I have PMR but it's currently in remission. From what I read the C-reactive protein test is a little more sensitive than the Sed Rate test. Here's a good explanation:
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein: Old But Useful Biomarkers for Pain Treatment
-- https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-c-reactive-protein-old-useful-biomarkers-pain-treatment
Is your doctor a rheumatologist? My rheumatologist started me on 20 mg prednisone and it took me about 3 years to taper off of prednisone the first occurrence and about 1-1/2 years the second time.