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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Meet others & Share Your Story

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 27 8:38am | Replies (1879)
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@johnbishop

Hello @cakodra, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @seniormed and others. I would see if you can get a referral to a rheumatologist as soon as you can. Blood work can be normal and you can have PMR.

"Can you have PMR with normal labs?
The diagnosis of PMR is possible, even if ESR and CRP have not increased. US and 18-FDG PET/CT evaluations might increase diagnostic rates of ESR and CRP negative PMR."
--- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) with Normal Values of Both Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Concentration at the Time of Diagnosis in a Centenarian Man: A Case Report: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313638/

There is also another discussion on the topic that might be helpful:
--- PMR with normal blood markers: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-with-normal-blood-markers/

You are your best advocate in this case. Can you discuss the trial of steroid treatment as suggested by @seniormed with your doctor or ask for a referral to a rheumatologist?

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Replies to "Hello @cakodra, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @seniormed and others...."
cakodra | @cakodra | Jul 23, 2023

Thank you, John. I neglected to mention in my original post that my doctor has made a referral for a rheumatologist, but she warned me that it can take up to a year to get an appointment with one. I’ve not heard anything yet. The neurologist who I will see in March of next year did a nerve conduction study on me in June, which showed no significant abnormalities. He agreed to see me as a new patient if my symptoms didn’t go away or if anything new occurred, but the appointment is still a long way off.

I see my regular PCP (well, actually an ANP—my doctor retired a couple of years ago, and I’ve only seen the ANP since) in September and will ask about a steroid trial then or sooner. I have bloodwork due in August and am hoping it might show something more definitive than last time.

You’ve been most helpful. Thank you for the links and good advice. —Cathy

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