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Is everyone here diagnosed with PMR seeing a rheumatologist?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jun 20, 2023 | Replies (103)Comment receiving replies
Hi @traynor4, My primary care doctor referred me to a rheumatologist based on my pain symptoms. I think some GPs are more familiar with PMR but a rheumatologist is the specialist with the training. Here's a little info on the subject.
"Should I see a rheumatologist for polymyalgia?
You may be referred to a rheumatologist if there's any doubt about the diagnosis or if there are complicating factors. This could be if the symptoms don't improve with steroid treatment or if you have side effects from the treatment." --- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) | Causes, symptoms, treatments: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/
I didn't have monthly lab tests after being diagnosed with PMR but I think a lot depends on how your treatment with the prednisone is going. There is another discussion on the topic you may want to read through to learn what others have shared -- New to PMR - Are Monthly Labs and Check-ups normal?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/doctor-schedule/
If I didn't have confidence in my GP I would definitely seek a second opinion or a referral to a rheumatologist.
Replies to "Hi @traynor4, My primary care doctor referred me to a rheumatologist based on my pain symptoms...."
True, but unless the right dose of Prednisone is given in the first 3-7 days and all or most all pain subsides it might not be PMR, that is what I gather from Rheumatologist anyways. PMR and the use of Prednisone are widely known. The FDA approved a Biologic for PMR in Feb 2023. It will be interesting to see how that is dispensed as more people with cfm'd PMR are prescribed. It's early but auto-immune diseases are getting lots of new approvals, so stay positive everyone. Pain stinks!!!!!!!!
For me confidence is not scientific, a specialist in auto-immune can be helpful. One person I read about couldn't get pain relief at fairly high Prednisone doses for PMR. They sent them for a Pet scan and found a stage 2 tumor on his lung. It caused almost identical symptoms to PMR. Lucky patient doing great today. I'm not suggesting a Pet scan ok. Knowledge is everything when it comes to your health.
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@tsc, @milld835, @microbe1943 and others may also have some thoughts on seeing a GP vs a rheumatologist for diagnosing PMR.