Covid and PMR surprise

Posted by shannonjp @shannonjp, Jul 22, 2023

So I’d been fighting what I thought was a nasty head cold when I noticed my sense of smell diminished. I tested myself for Covid and the result was positive. So here’s the surprise. Even as my Covid symptoms were starting to wane my PMR symptoms actually disappeared. The only thing I can think of is that my immune system finally had some real work to do and no time to turn on me.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

That’s really interesting, but opposite of my experience. I have a different inflammatory arthritis (it’s my dad who has PMR), but whenever I get sick (including when I had covid), my arthritis symptoms get worse. Covid actually worsened my symptoms and/or I developed long Covid =(

The exception was for the few days after Paxlovid took effect and I felt Great! But that faded off pretty quickly, especially since I got a rebound case.

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Interesting! Although my PMR was initially triggered by Covid, and actually worsened by a second bout of Covid a year later, I had the flu last fall and took TamiFlu and while on the TamiFlu my PMR symptoms went completely away! There’s definitely something happening in the immune system. Seems so crazy that having Covid could trigger PMR and at the same time alleviate it. And why did taking Tamiflu clear all pain and weakness for me?? I hope someone can answer these questions soon. It may be an answer to cure PMR.

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I was cautioned by rheumatologist, about Covid vaccines , after being diagnosed with PMR, as clinic said they have had explosion of cases! Do not believe all is known of Covid or vaccine complications!

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was diagnosed with pmr after covid vaccine. I have had the boosters also. i have been on pred. for two years and finally tapered off. after feeling fine (about 1 week)I started to relapse. It was worse than the original symptoms. Excruciating pain in thighs and low back. blood test showed increased sed rate after previous normal tests. I am back on 20 mg pred and guess that's how it goes. I do not like pred. as I do not sleep well. It gives me a false sense of phys capabilities as I am an avid exercise enthusiast. I worry if I am hurting myself and will be aware after tapering off this bout. Dr suggested Actemra infusion and we'll discuss next visit.

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As my Covid symptoms have waned my PMR symptoms are returning. Oh well.

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@kberlyhouse

Interesting! Although my PMR was initially triggered by Covid, and actually worsened by a second bout of Covid a year later, I had the flu last fall and took TamiFlu and while on the TamiFlu my PMR symptoms went completely away! There’s definitely something happening in the immune system. Seems so crazy that having Covid could trigger PMR and at the same time alleviate it. And why did taking Tamiflu clear all pain and weakness for me?? I hope someone can answer these questions soon. It may be an answer to cure PMR.

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Hi,
I developed PMR after 2nd Phizer vaccine. Have had PMR for 2.5 yrs. When I had COVID my symptoms were greatly reduced. My Rhem said the Aleve (NSAID) I took for my sore throat was the reason. Did u take anything besides Tamiflu?

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@ddmo

was diagnosed with pmr after covid vaccine. I have had the boosters also. i have been on pred. for two years and finally tapered off. after feeling fine (about 1 week)I started to relapse. It was worse than the original symptoms. Excruciating pain in thighs and low back. blood test showed increased sed rate after previous normal tests. I am back on 20 mg pred and guess that's how it goes. I do not like pred. as I do not sleep well. It gives me a false sense of phys capabilities as I am an avid exercise enthusiast. I worry if I am hurting myself and will be aware after tapering off this bout. Dr suggested Actemra infusion and we'll discuss next visit.

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Oh no just as u were better! Similar story for me...PMR after Pfizer vac. I think I am in remission after 2.5 yrs. All symptoms gone for over 2 week. Down to 5mg of Pred. Taken me 1.5 yrs to taper from 10 to 5mg. I sure hope this infusion helps. I am unfamiliar with it but will research. Thoughts with you!

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Same with me but Rheum told me it was prob the Aleve I took for the sore throat I had during COVID.

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@marymv

Oh no just as u were better! Similar story for me...PMR after Pfizer vac. I think I am in remission after 2.5 yrs. All symptoms gone for over 2 week. Down to 5mg of Pred. Taken me 1.5 yrs to taper from 10 to 5mg. I sure hope this infusion helps. I am unfamiliar with it but will research. Thoughts with you!

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thanks for sharing. I hate pred. difficulty sleeping and some thinning of my hair! down to 15mg for 2 wks then 10 then rheumy doc. That vaccine did me in... don't know if i'll try the infusion but rather see when i'm done with the pred. again;-( best of luck to you...

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