Doctors' confusion over diagnosis: Questions they should ask

Posted by lmz @lmz, May 30, 2024

Since a rheumatologist diagnosed my PMR more than two and a half years ago, two other doctors have second-guessed him. Because PMR is a disease of the old and worn, and because some of us lack blood markers, doctors seem to have difficulty seeing the disease for what it is, and not arthritis or a pinched nerve or something else. It seems to me that PMR is distinctive, and that doctors would recognize it easily if they would only ask the right questions. Following are questions I would recommend. What do you think?

How would you describe the pain and stiffness you feel?
How did the pain begin?
Where do you hurt?
Where do you feel stiff?
Are certain areas of your body tender to the touch?
At what time(s) of day do you experience the most pain and stiffness?
What eases the pain?
What makes the pain worse?
What movements and activities have become difficult to do?
How well do you sleep? What wakes you or keeps you awake?
Have you experienced fatigue? Stiffness in the hands? Swelling in the legs? Headaches? Pain or stiffness in the jaw? Other symptoms I should know about?

I’d appreciate any advice on how to reach doctors with these suggestions.

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

pb50 | @pb50 | Aug 8 7:19pm

In reply to @pm56 "Hi - I just started Remicade for an overlap of RA, PsA, and Spondylitis/AxSpa. It’s my..." + (show)

Not that I recall. Are you also on Methotrexate by any chance ? because I did have transient stomach issues from that

m1o2m | @m1o2m | Aug 8 8:29pm

I'm on Methotraxate, 20mg. once a week. I have lost 15 lbs, hair loss, dry skin, and dry eyes. The smell of food in general is sometimes disgusting, but I push myself to eat. My body still hurts, sometimes my wrist, a shoulder, and hips, mostly the IT Band. It has been going on since I was diagnosed in October. 2024.
Shall I go to an acupuncturist to lessen the pain?
Any other medications available?

Thank you for your advice and sugestions.

pm56 | @pm56 | Aug 8 9:01pm

In reply to @pb50 "Not that I recall. Are you also on Methotrexate by any chance ? because I did..." + (show)

I am, but I’ve been on MTX for 6 years without any issues. Maybe I just have to give the Remicade some more time. Thanks for responding 🙂

pb50 | @pb50 | Aug 8 9:38pm

In reply to @m1o2m "I'm on Methotraxate, 20mg. once a week. I have lost 15 lbs, hair loss, dry skin,..." + (show)

Talk to your doc and tell him you would like to try a different drug that is not as associated with GI issues. And there a LOT of other drugs. Insurance likes it because it is cheap. But sounds like you could benefit by trying something else.

m1o2m | @m1o2m | Aug 9 11:52am

In reply to @pb50 "Talk to your doc and tell him you would like to try a different drug that..." + (show)

Thank you.

randersonccc | @randersonccc | Aug 10 10:25am

Be sure to add vision changes to your list. Then find out if there is a medical director (MD) of Rheumatology- if not send to the Medical Director of your clinic etc. then send this list respectfully to him, in an effort to assist with diagnosing PMR etc. also cc this to your own rheumatologist. As long as you’re respectfully submitting the questionnaire and you can site how helpful this site has been you will be appreciated. Drs seem to be recently coming around to this condition which in my opinion was exacerbated by COVID and the COVID shots. Just sayin’. Good luck. ☺️🙏