I'm a 73 year old female diagnosed with PMR after a rapid onset of muscle pain in legs, hip, and arms. My blood tests showed elevated CRP, RA latex, but normal sed rate. So my doctor referred me to a rheumatologist. I was started on the prednisone dose pack and within three days pain free. Went to 15 mg and started weaning down from there over six month period. When I reached 2mg I started getting swelling in all my joints (unlike onset, now in joints instead of muscles) including wrists, hands, knees, ankles, toes and bottom of my feet. This is on both sides. At appointment, she noted how hot and swollen joints were and said probably a flare up. She put me up to 10mg to start wean down again. Probably a flare up now with inflammatory issues. She won't say RA but maybe pseudo gout. Can you have both?

I am back down to 3mg and still having these issues after another five months. When I get out of bed it is very difficult to walk and am hobbling as feet and ankles don't want to support me. Also, hands and wrists feel like giant paws. I do some walking and it loosens some but when I return and sit they go back to stiffness that last throughout the day. Up coming appointment in a week and wondering about other avenues to pursue. Would an MRI or ultra sound show any other issues that might be the cause of continual pain. Are there other drugs I should consider? I'm finding it very hard for an extremly active person to hardly be able to function. Thank you for any suggestions you may have.