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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
My orthopedic doctor attributes my pain in shoulders, pelvis & hips, neck, and hands to autoimmune disease, probably to PMR. I am nearly disabled by pain particularly in the mornings. My doctor suggests, however, that even after subsequent testing by a rheumatologist confirms his hunch about PMR, I would not be a good candidate for prednisone insofar as I suffer already with insomnia and depression. My question is whether there is any other treatment for PMR besides a steroid such as prednisone? I'm thinking "not", but thought I would ask.
Replies to "My orthopedic doctor attributes my pain in shoulders, pelvis & hips, neck, and hands to autoimmune..."
Hi @lglindsay3 There are some studies looking at alternatives to prednisone, but I don't know their status. Some members of Connect have mentioned being treated with methotrexate. Maybe they'll chime in.
In my experience during two bouts of PMR, one of the worst features of the disorder is the sleep and rest disturbance associated with it. When my PMR was active, sitting or lying down intensified the pain to the point that it felt like a hammer was attacking my shoulder and hip joints. With other forms of muscle and joint pain, rest is usually helpful, but with PMR, the exact opposite seems to be the case. Until I received prednisone treatment, I was worn out from sleeplessness and lack of rest. No other drug afforded the slightest bit of relief. I am very thankful that my PMR is now in remission.
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Not to discount your physician, but I think untreated PMR can cause insomnia and depression.