1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Precursor symptoms to PMR?

Posted by sticksandbugs @sticksandbugs, 19 hours ago

I was diagnosed with PMR a month ago, after a quick onset of classic symptoms. It hit fast and hard! But, before that, I had been struggling for almost a year with left leg pain (hamstring area) that referred to my knee, very painful, limping etc. I had been seeing an osteopath and massage therapist for treatment. I didn't recall any injury to the hamstring. Now that I've been on prednisone 20 mg/day for a month, my PMR symptoms are slowly resolving, but interestingly the hamstring issue is completely gone! I wonder if it could have been some kind of precursor, or very low level inflammatory issue? Has anybody else noticed 'warning signs' of an impending flare of PMR?

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sticksandbugs | @sticksandbugs | 10 hours ago
In reply to @ksquiltergirl "Hello Stick I had no idea the jaw pain and electrical taps to the face were..." + (show)
@ksquiltergirl

Hello Stick
I had no idea the jaw pain and electrical taps to the face were a precursor to a flare of PMR.
My PMR started 15 years ago with debilitating pain to my pelvic bones, shoulder and arms. I was prescribed 20 mg to start and told to start weaning down 1 mg. every month. It took about 5 years to get off the meds.
I have had at least 3 flare ups since then, and I am dealing with one now. I am on 8 mg. and the Dr. mentioned when I get down to 5mg., if I am still hurting he is going to try me on Kevzara. I have read the side effects and I am troubled by what they are.
Do you have any info on this med?

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So sorry you’re going through this ❤️ I don’t have any info about anything, unfortunately. Newbie. Also, in Canada, so likely treatment will differ. I see a rheumatologist first time next week so hoping for information. My family doc didn’t even examine me. She listened to me, did blood work that showed elevated CRP last month, repeat CRP this week was even higher (doubled). Have been on prednisone for just over a month. RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit low. Ferritin normal. 🤷‍♀️

REPLY
sticksandbugs | @sticksandbugs | 10 hours ago
In reply to @brian326 "Yes I noticed unusual muscle soreness for about 3 months before the full fledged PMR symptoms..." + (show)
@brian326

Yes I noticed unusual muscle soreness for about 3 months before the full fledged PMR symptoms showed up. I would do something like go running or ride a peloton (things I typically was doing weekly), and I might be sore for 5 days. I joked that age was just starting to catch me (56 y/o) but it wasn’t normal. Finally when I got the more classic symptoms I saw a dr and was diagnosed in 4 days.

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My diagnosis so far is family doctor basing it on my reported symptoms, and blood work. I haven’t been examined yet. See rheumatologist next week. I’m not saying family doctor is wrong but I’ve had limited response to prednisone (based on my own ready/research). Looking forward to knowledgeable input from specialist. I’m almost 60, and used to being extremely active. This diagnosis has been a challenge in more ways than just knowing what to call it

REPLY
DadCue | @dadcue | 9 hours ago
In reply to @ksquiltergirl "Hello Stick I had no idea the jaw pain and electrical taps to the face were..." + (show)
@ksquiltergirl

Hello Stick
I had no idea the jaw pain and electrical taps to the face were a precursor to a flare of PMR.
My PMR started 15 years ago with debilitating pain to my pelvic bones, shoulder and arms. I was prescribed 20 mg to start and told to start weaning down 1 mg. every month. It took about 5 years to get off the meds.
I have had at least 3 flare ups since then, and I am dealing with one now. I am on 8 mg. and the Dr. mentioned when I get down to 5mg., if I am still hurting he is going to try me on Kevzara. I have read the side effects and I am troubled by what they are.
Do you have any info on this med?

Jump to this post

I will defer to people who have actually taken Kevzara.

I'm on a similar biologic called Actemra. It is similar in the sense that both Kevzara and Actemra block the effects of the Il-6 cytokine that is implicated in PMR and GCA.

There is a good video contained in the following link:
https://www.pmrandil6.com/il-6-and-pmr/
There are additional tabs about the current standards of care and general information about PMR and GCA.
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An electrified face isn't a precursor to PMR flares in most people. It was another condition I had that got involved whenever my inflammation wasn't controlled.

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