Hi there PMR Group:

I have not been diagnosed, but I tick every box in terms of what I’ve read. I have exceptional pain in my shoulders, hips and now knees. Initially I was diagnosed with bilateral hip bursitis and at the time, I attributed my shoulder pain to injuring myself while carrying a bag. But it’s never gone away. Seeing a Rheumatologist by GP referral in Canada can take over a year. I am fortunate in that I may be able to go stateside with my referral.

So far, I bought a new vehicle because getting in and out of my sedan became nearly impossible. Reaching above my head isn’t happening. I have to rock myself out of bed in the morning because I cannot turn over on my hips or shoulders. I used to be able to hoist myself up on a kitchen chair to water high up plants, but I can no longer because of excruciating hip pain. Going upstairs is difficult for my hips and going downstairs is difficult for my knees. I wake up between 4 and 6 sometimes needing a tramacet, and can’t stay in bed beyond 7:30 because it’s too painful. And I am exhausted because I am not a back sleeper really, I am a side sleeper and I can’t stay on my sides very long if at all. I am getting depressed because of the lack of timely care here. Can’t do regular gardening or use my brand new paddle board. My spouse has been awesome but I’m sure is getting a bit tired of doing all the hard stuff.

ESR and Creative protein off the charts but I stupidly got vaccinated for shingles and hpv related cancers the day before testing so now I have to repeat. Am going to see if i can be tested for IL-6.

To all of you experiencing the chronic pain, my heart goes out to you and I know what you are feeling.

Thanks for letting me “blah blah”

Peace,
Phyllis