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PMR with hand/wrist pain and swollen veins?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 3, 2023 | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
I am so glad I found your question. I have been struggling with pain since this past Jan 22, with right shoulder pain, then thumb arthritis and then a swollen tennis elbow. After a couple trips to the orthopedics with prednisone shots, and physical therapy, my next culprit was carpel tunnel in my other wrist, along with my left shoulder pain. My blood work brought me to a rheumatologist and here I am with a working diagnosis of PMR. I am only 55. Just started 20 mg of prednisone. Over the past month, I did notice the veins in the back of my hands look strangely large, even in my forearm. Since I am googling everything PMR, this is one that I cannot seem to find a correlation with. I did read up on the covid vaccine booster as suspect to PMR outbreak. I had mine late December 21, and all this started happening. Sorry I could not be more informative. May helps to identify, that yes, I am this problem currently too!
Replies to "I am so glad I found your question. I have been struggling with pain since this..."
Your post is validating to me, as my rheumatologist says the hand involvement is not PMR. My veins are more prominent as well, maybe due to thinner skin from prednisone? So many questions! Best of luck to you!
At first I was told my hands and left wrist were separate issues but over the past 2 years they are involved in every flare when I start my taper off Prednisone. I believe that the doctors and our selves are going to keep learning about this and are finding that each case may be different yet similar. Keeping a pain journal specific to area the pain is in is very helpful
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Hello @dawne, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear you have joined the PMR club. I've had two occurrences of PMR. The first happened when I was 64. My PMR is currently in remission. You are not alone with your struggle. Many of us have shared what has helped us in the various discussions on PMR. You can find a list of the discussions here:
-- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR):
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/
As you start tapering down on the prednisone, you might also find the following discussions helpful:
-- Prednisone tapering is challenging. What does remission feel like?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone-tapering-and-remission/
-- PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-dosages/
Has your rheumatologist suggested any tapering plans or lifestyle changes to help manage the symptoms?