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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 10 12:05pm | Replies (1906)
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@ann55

I am so glad I found this discussion because, at times, I'm having a hard time balancing and reducing the pain. I have recently been diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), and I notice thus far I cannot move at my previous pace like I didn't before. At times, the flare-up is headaches, hip, knees, neck, and the most bothering since April of this year I start to have pain in my left arm. Some days no pain, and others, the pain is severe. I continue to move around take breaks from the computer as such. I realize that I have to learn to adapt, especially for work where I am typing for several hours, which doesn't help my left arm. Finding software to help me with typing, take a break and try to rest as much as possible, which is a work in progress. I'm looking forward to reading how others manage their pain, especially not using steroid medications. Any suggestions would help.

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Replies to "I am so glad I found this discussion because, at times, I'm having a hard time..."
Teri | @tsc | Jul 16, 2021

Hi ann55, PMR and GCA are inflammatory disorders. The steroids help suppress the immune system which is overactive. I also read that carpal tunnel syndrome can result from PMR. Since you're typing, have you looked into a brace or support? It should not cut off your circulation, but it should keep your wrist at proper alignment. I had carpal tunnel before PMR started, went to Physical Therapy, got exercises and got rid of it.
For pain, I find an infrared heating pad gives some symptomatic relief (as the heat is supposed to go deeper). Also an infrared heat lamp helps.. Acetaminophen is recommended at the analgesic dose (2 x 325 mg) although I find one 500 mg works okay for me. No NSAIDS, like naproxen, etc. with prednisone if you're taking it. And if you have difficulty sleeping, avoid melatonin, as it aggravates autoimmune disorders.
I also broke down and invested in an electric can opener as using the manual one was aggravating my shoulder. And a bidet toilet seat cover because attending to personal hygiene was getting so difficult.
I've found though that nothing relieved the extraordinary pain I was experiencing with PMR and GCA like prednisone. I hope that helps.

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