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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 18 7:12pm | Replies (1907)Comment receiving replies
I've experienced some pain in the hands when my PMR was active, although not as bad as the pain in my shoulders and other joints.
Excerpt from article below - "Polymyalgia rheumatica causes several physical and emotional symptoms. Initial physical symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, tiredness, fever, and ... characterized by applying pressure with a finger on the swollen area, creating a ... Carpal tunnel syndrome; Pain in the knees, wrists, and hands affecting only one side." -- Polymyalgia Rheumatica Symptoms: https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/polymyalgia-rheumatica/polymyalgia-rheumatica-symptoms
Replies to "I've experienced some pain in the hands when my PMR was active, although not as bad..."
Regarding pain in the hands, I have had burning, swelling and pain in the hands since my diagnosis of PMR in April 2022. I was on 40 mg of prednisone in the hospital and came home with 30 mg. I am now down to 10 mg, and as I have tapered, the symptoms in my hands have gotten worse. I saw my rheumatologist last week, and he said (and I am paraphrasing) the hand involvement is not PMR, but is rheumatoid arthritis, and that PMR can lead to RA, though not common. The higher doses of prednisone masks the RA, but as one tapers, it becomes more evident. He indicated that there are better meds than prednisone to manage the RA.
This was not the news I wanted to hear, and I went through denial, frustration, anger, and finally acceptance and motivation to keep moving forward. This process all happened in the doctor's office and on the trip home with my husband. I feel fortunate that my husband let me vent without giving me advice, and by the time we got home we were able to find a little humor in our situation. I have been prescribed hydroxychloroquine for the arthritis and will keep you updated on its impact.
Thank you all for your posts. This site has been incredibly helpful.
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Florida: June 11 2021
Seven years ago, I had been told I had polymyalgia rheumatica . I have taken prednisone for that lenght of time, in different amount from 10 mgs to now 5mgs a day. I do not have pain in my joints, only in my muscles. In the first few years the pain was in my upper back, and lower back area. Now it's mostly in the ( rump) area, painful to set and walk. My rheumathologist has now prescribed 15 mgs of methotrexate once a week ,on top of the daily 5mgs of prednisone.
Has anyone ever had this desease for this lenght of time?
And what medicine helped you overcome it, if you are better.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Mimosa