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PMR with normal blood markers
Hello peoples...
I have PMR and have been fine after getting off Pred until the Covid came on stage...then the flare up hit me, along with the stress of the country blowing up at the 2020 election, I just went to hell..:(. I didn't do anything for quite awhile 'cept bi### and moan/cry along with the stress and confusion about the vaccine, which I was against because of unknown and known meds and I don't get along and who knows what the long term effects are? I finally succumbed to the Moderna vaccine after research findings said that the PMR flare up CAN be caused by a virus being fought off by the PMR...Hmmm. So I got it, and guess what? My PMR symptoms were reduced very much ! More even after the second vaccine shot....then tapered off a little after the 3rd. Now, it's been a year since the 3rd and still have the PMR symptoms and they are gradually increasing in strength.
Now the kicker here......
All my blood markers showing PMR are /have been in the normal range and have seen A LOT of doctors ( VA included)but they are all scared to give me Prednisone...(License issue)...because the markers are normal.....:( Now what? I can't take any NSAIDS anymore because now I have sensitivties/side effects from them and my body doesn't like opiods either.....
I think I may be a good canidate for a PMR test subject...LOL.
Does ANYONE out there have any good suggestions what my next step should be? I'm getting close to the end of my rope here...and it's a solid hit when i let go...:(........
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25 Oct 22 C-Reactive Protein (0.6) Normal indicated on report (-
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3 Reactionsmyomarker 3 plus profile negative for muscle disease today
26 Oct 22 diagnosed with PMR
On Prednisone since.
Rheumatologist consult made. 4/6/23 C-Reactive Protein, Quanity 1.0 mg/dL (H) (-
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2 ReactionsHi @everettcatlin, I moved your recent post to your story where you started sharing it here so the members can see the background
- PMR with normal blood markers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/840750/
I'm not a doctor, so I'm not sure I understand your post. It seems like you received had a lab test done called MyoMarker 3 Profile (https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/75595#Clinical-and-Interpretive) and it showed negative for muscle disease.
Your next appointment with the rheumatologist is next month. What is the purpose of your upcoming appointment? What questions are you preparing?
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3 ReactionsI'm so glad you posted this! People need to know that normal bloods are not the end--all!! I sure hope you get on well with your treatment. Oddly, I have GCA but never had PMR. I'm happy that you were properly diagnosed and you have a rheumy that treats symptoms.
All my best💞
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2 Reactions1. I am confused by the results.
2This test shows no muscle disease present. 2.1 Question Do I have pmr and Dr. are you looking in other areas? 2.2 If so what are you looking for? 2.3 I am taking 20 mg of Prednisone a day, if Pmr is not indicated by the tests do I need to stop taking it and do I go cold turkey or taper off? 2.4 Doc when ever I take the Prednisone seems to be helping with the pain stay with it even though PMR has been eliminated as a diagnosis?
3. Now a Question to the group. This test indicated no muscle disease, PMR is a muscle disease, now what any suggestions from the group ? I am clueless at this point.
Thank you for reading my rant and hope I come across as stupid.
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2 ReactionsAsk your rheumatologist about methotrexate as an alternative to prednisone.
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1 Reaction@everettcatlin, Diagnosing PMR is a process of eliminating other possible conditions and no specific test for PMR. That and there are quite a few other conditions that mimic PMR symptoms.
"Diagnosis. There's no specific test to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. Your doctor will make a diagnosis after listening to you talk about the history of your symptoms and by carrying out a physical examination. You'll also have blood tests to check for any inflammation in your body, and to rule out other conditions."
--- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) | Causes, symptoms, treatments: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr/.
--- Diseases that mimic polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR): https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diseases-that-mimic-polymyalgia-rheumatica
Thank you I will.
I understand pmr is not a muscle disease but of the tendons.
Thank you so much for the reply. So i still could be diagnosed with PMR. I have got so mush to learn about it. Miss Anne again thanks for the reply and like my wife said " one step at a time. I actually may have been blessed by this report.