Normal Inflammatory Markers with PMR

Posted by lglowac @lglowac, 20 hours ago

Hi all - looks like a great site! I have been dealing with this disease since late February with an initial diagnosis of pinched nerves in both shoulders. When the pain started to spread to my neck, chest, arms and fingers, tests were ordered and a diagnosis of lupus was floated. Inflammatory markers normal. Muscles relaxers prescribed. When the pain increased and moved to my hips and legs, 5 day course of 20mg prednisone prescribed. Relief! But 2 days after stopping, pain spiked to 8 with any movement and PMR diagnosed, another 5 days of 20 mg prednisone, then 15mg. Same thing - pain too great! So back on 20 mg but going to try to taper after 10 days. My PCP checked my inflammatory markers and they are still in the normal range. I see Rheumatology in 3 weeks. Anyone else have a similar history?

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

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 19 hours ago

Welcome @lglowac, I don't think you are alone with normal labs as a quick search of Connect shows quite a few related discussions on PMR with normal labs - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/. If prednisone makes the pain go away that's a good thing. The problem is trying to taper off of the prednisone too fast and managing the symptoms while tapering down. Took me 3-1/2 years to taper off the first time around with PMR and 1-1/2 years the second time which was six years after the PMR went into remission the first time. You might find the following discussion by @dadcue helpful:
-- How to Slowly and Safely Taper Off Prednisone but ... no set rules.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-slowly-and-safely-taper-off-prednisone-but-no-set-rules/
@tuckerp shared this YouTube video that you might find helpful: