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@jenniferhunter
Good to hear from you. This is new territory for me. I have the MRI report, but I'm still waiting to hear from my PCP to figure things out. I was originally seen by a PA for a fairly recent onset of deep achy pain at night (not after activity) which made my inner thighs feel like I had been doing splits. And I was so stiff in the morning, I could barely maneuver. Getting up and down off the toilet was a challenge, as was getting in and out of the car.
I've had neuropathy symptoms (numbness, tingling bilateral feet, calves) for about 3 yrs. But I've really never had pain like that. I'm 73.
The PA is suspicious of polymyalgia rheumatica because of my symptoms and a C-reactive Protein level of 67. But according to my PCP, L3-4 would correspond to the referred pain to the thighs. I've been on Prednisone 15 mg a day which I take in the am and I use Tylenol. I'm not sure what my level of pain would be without Prednisone at this point. If the PCP is convinced that my pain is due to the lumbar spine issues, I believe he will suggest that I cancel the Rheumatology consult and get me off the Prednisone. He did mention that PT would be indicated if that is the case. I will share more as things progress. Thank you.
Replies to "@jenniferhunter Good to hear from you. This is new territory for me. I have the MRI..."
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@pah17
My 2 cents.
There are no definitive tests for RA but a process of elimination and bloodwork. CRP test shows inflammtion but that is just 1 clue
I would see an RA Dr. and a non-surgical ortho at the same time if your insurance allos as they can get you started on PT and possibly injections if you want to go that route
I have had Rheumatoid arthritis for 20+ years.
Mine is strictly in the joints hands, wrists, sholders elbows so I can't really speak to other forms of autoimmune but generally back pain is less common.
Your deep aching pain and morning pain, thigh pain and the morning being hell are exactly what I experience. I also have it after resting as things stiffen up.
To me this sounds like sciatica nerve pain from lumbar not RA. (Just my opinion not trying to be a Dr.)
Prednisone makes it better as it takes the inflamation down and gives the nerves more room.
I have severe stenosis at L4 on my right side and L2 on my left side. Both adult degenerative scoliosis. Basically discs worn out and spine tilting one way at L4 and then back the other way at L2.
Your MRI really doesn't seem that bad but my Dr. always says we treat the pain not the image.
Hope that helps, good luck