Bilateral Muscle Pain in Arms, Legs, Neck and Shoulders

Posted by 1niceguy @1niceguy, Nov 23, 2023

For the past 6 months I have been suffering from severe bilateral pain and stiffness in my arms, legs, neck and shoulders. I have been to several doctors (2-rheumatologists, Neurologist, endocrinologist, family doctor) and they have done multiple blood tests, some CT scans and an ultrasound of my thyroid, physical examinations etc. The best way I can describe the pain is that it feels like my body was injected with lactic acid (like I did a full body workout without ever having worked out before). It puts me in tears just to take a shower or get dressed. My muscles do not hurt when I touch them, only when I flex them or use them. I do not have joint pain. When it first started 6 months ago it was extreme pain in my upper arms and legs and has since spread to the other areas. My abdomen and back muscles do not seem to be affected. They have ruled out Polymyalgia Rheumatica, lupus and many other things, but cannot figure out what it is. Please help!

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Profile picture for retiredphil @retiredphil

@vvlaraia That's good to know if I ever need to take methotrexate. How long did it take for you to taper off to zero?
I'll be 84 in November so I'm not worried about getting off prednisone. I'm more interested in quality of life for what time I have left.

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@retiredphil 6 months on Prednisone after PMR diagnosis. I don't want to jinx myself but like I said, I'm fine currently and no PMR pain. I eat very healthy and exercise/walk. I'm 71 so I do have other normal age aches and pain not related, and I continue to stay active. With the methotrexate, my rheumatologist at the time (years ago and replaced a retired one I had) reviewed labs/tests and ordered me off that med right away. I had no issues then.

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Profile picture for vvlaraia @vvlaraia

@retiredphil 6 months on Prednisone after PMR diagnosis. I don't want to jinx myself but like I said, I'm fine currently and no PMR pain. I eat very healthy and exercise/walk. I'm 71 so I do have other normal age aches and pain not related, and I continue to stay active. With the methotrexate, my rheumatologist at the time (years ago and replaced a retired one I had) reviewed labs/tests and ordered me off that med right away. I had no issues then.

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@vvlaraia Very interesting! I glad that your are doing well and off prednisone.

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