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Anyone else have PMR with some serious sternum/rib cage pain?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 21, 2023 | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
yes, I've been on pred for about 18 months. My PMR first manifested as hip/groin pain. About 6 months ago, the sternum pain showed up (with neck pain as well...) and hasn't gotten any better; if anything, much worse. Pred dosage is now at 2-3 mg/day and am trying to manage pain with OTC analgesics. Also acupuncture. Just wondering if anyone else out there has any other suggestions.
Replies to "yes, I've been on pred for about 18 months. My PMR first manifested as hip/groin pain...."
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Can you explain what original dose of Prednisone you started with or why your Dr., started you on 2-3mg, was that originally as well or a relapse? From what I've seen on Youtube from this rheumatologist in NJ., I gather patients start between 7.5-21mg or a bit higher if the inflammation-Pain doesn't decrease. Also, I assume if 21mg doesn't substantially reduce the Pain within less than a week the diagnosis is not likely PMR. Initially I went on Methyl-Prednisone dose as follows:
Day 1 I took 4mg 6 times for a total dose of 24mg
Day 2 I took 4mg 5 times for a total dose of 20mg
Day 3 I took 4 mg 4 times for a total dose of 16mg
Day 4 I took 4mg 3 times for a total dose of 12mg
Day 5 I took 4mg 2 times for a total dose of 8mg
Methyl-Prednisone is about 20% stronger than Prednisone.
Oddly, I had gone to the hospital on a Wednesday with extreme jaw pain from Urgent care who thought I had Trigeminal Neuralgia. At the emergency room they partially agreed and gave me intravenous Advil and 2 -4 mg doses of morphine then Carbamazepine. Pain wouldn't stop, morphine and all that did nothing. I was using water in my mouth every 2 minutes to stop the pain. That worked... I was to see an Endondonist that Friday for a possible root canal. They sent me home and told it was likely Dental. The day I came home Thursday the pain subsided in the evening. The Endodonist at 9AM the next day found a deeply infected root in a molar that hadn't shown up on normal x-rays, I believe the root died. He felt I need 2 molars pulled, called an Oral surgeon, an hour later I had those 2 pulled, The second tooth showed it was deeply infected and gross on the tip. They took my last wisdom tooth out for fun! lol. The pain I had for 28 hours was like a dentist drilling into a nerve and continuing to drill, mind-boggling. The water treatment worked. Sorry this is so long. Oral surgeon gave me an antibiotic and Prednisone. On Day 3 the PMR that was undiagnosed went away (completely everywhere) but returned by day 5 of the Prednisone. I pre-diagnosed myself (PMR) and 2 Dr.'s agreed. Sometime they back into a PR diagnosis that way my Primary said. I'm on normal Prednisone now 17.5mg buy it isn't quite enough-3weeks into treatment, 1st time diagnosis.