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@gll104

I am new to the group also. So happy to have this forum! In early July, 2018, I had acute, bilateral joint pain in all joints except ankles and feet. It became nearly incapacitating until my primary internist diagnosed me with RA. This was based on symptoms, RA factor of 14 and high C reactive protein levels. I was started on Methotrexate and later he added Prednisone, which I was on and off. I was finally referred to a Rheumatologist in mid December. I tried to get into Jax Mayo but was told they weren’t accepting out patients. The Rheumatologist told me I did not have RA as I had had no swelling and the the RA factor was low. He said I have PMR. So he discontinued the Methotrexate and had me follow the following protocol with Prednisone: 10 mg for 4 weeks, 7.5 for 2 weeks, 5 for 2 weeks, 2.5 for 2 weeks, then stop, if all was well. Twice, I made it to 5 mg, but each time as I worked more, I had to fo back to 7.5. This last time the pain returned after 2 hours of intense, hands on CPR training. I am a 68 year old female. I work PRN as a Speech Pathologist in an inpatient rehab hospital. My challenges are transferring patients, pushing wheel chairs and putting the leg rests on wheel chairs. I too have had significant hair loss, much after I stopped Methotrexate, bruising, red splotches and streaks on my arms and loose stools several times a day. I began my journey doing the Plant Paradox Elimination Diet for 5 weeks. I kept a food, exercise meds and pain log. It do think certain foods, especially, night shades exacerbate, my problem. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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Replies to "I am new to the group also. So happy to have this forum! In early July,..."

Hello @gll104, welcome to Connect. I have no medical training or background but I have had 2 occurrences of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) which is currently in remission. The first occurrence was in 2007 and lasted until 2010. My rheumatologist started me on 20 mg of prednisone with the goal of gradually tapering off at my own pace...whatever works for my body. He did say everyone is different with the disease and some never get off of prednisone but should always have the goal of trying to get off. I tried to taper down too fast the first few times and then gradually reduced the amount of the dosage. The last six months or so of my first round with PMR I went between 1 mg and 1/2 mg every week until I was finally able to stop taking it and only had a minimal amount of pain/discomfort. My second occurrence only lasted 1-1/2 years and I was able to taper a little faster except the last few months and it was instant replay of my first occurrence of PMR.

It's good that you are keeping a log. I think that helps. I know night shades are not good for me also but I would continue to eat them just a less amount. I think methotrexate is used for PMR when there may be other considerations.

Latest Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
-- https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/myofascial/inflammatory-arthritis/latest-advances-diagnosis-treatment-polymyalgia-rheumatica?page=0,1

It sounds like you get a lot of exercise with your job. Do your symptoms flare up more on a day where you are more active? I'm just thinking back on my two occurrences of PMR and know that I sometimes would over do it and would pay for it that night or the next day.