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Any difficulty in diagnosis of PMR?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 1, 2023 | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
Hi @gailg, I think the results of blood tests don't always cone back with high inflammation markers with PMR. I had full blown symptoms about six months, but my blood work was fairly normal (My CRP was slightly elevated but my PCP did not pursue it). The PMR symptoms stayed with me, and I eventually developed symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis. Then my inflammation markers were off the chart.
The chapter on PMR and GCA in Cecil and Goldman's Textbook of Medicine, suggests physicians give patients with PMR symptoms a trial dose of prednisone if their bloodwork is normal. If the symptoms go away, it's PMR. If not, it's probably something else.
I hope that helps.
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Your answer makes so much sense. For myself I should have been more diligent. When I developed symptoms of PMR 3 years ago I was put on a very short term of Prednisone. In a matter of days I was showing signs of relief. When my symptoms returned a year ago I was told by the Rheumatologist that was Osteoarthritis & just keep active. It was an issue with my eyes a couple weeks ago that made me do some more investigating. I see my PCP on Monday & will back up my suspicions with the info I’ve gathered on this site.