1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Tingling fingers part of PMR symptom?

Posted by andirae @andirae, Jul 7 1:32pm

Been tapering for about 5 months. I have reduced my prednisone level from 7.5mg for quite a few weeks to now 6mg. On 6mg for 3 weeks now. As part of this reduction I have noticed some tingling sensation at times in my forearm and fingers. Never noticed before this taper. . Is it a symptom of PMR?

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yogabonnie | @yogabonnie | 1 day ago

I had this after about 6 years on Prednisone for PMR. I thought it was because I had recently lowered the dose. I got a cortison shot and it cleared right up but then it came back tingling and pain waking me up at 3am ...in both hands. VERY painful and tingling and numb. it was carpal tunnel. I just finished surgeries on both wrists and ALL the pain is gone hands feeling great! Glad I did it. I asked what caused it. I type but not a lot of repetitive things otherwise... she said she thought it was arthritis. )I have that in my fingers. and the tunnel is narrowed by the wrist arthritis. Now it has opened up and medial nerve can be free!

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vlafeve | @vlafeve | 13 hours ago
In reply to @yogabonnie "I had this after about 6 years on Prednisone for PMR. I thought it was because..." + (show)
@yogabonnie

I had this after about 6 years on Prednisone for PMR. I thought it was because I had recently lowered the dose. I got a cortison shot and it cleared right up but then it came back tingling and pain waking me up at 3am ...in both hands. VERY painful and tingling and numb. it was carpal tunnel. I just finished surgeries on both wrists and ALL the pain is gone hands feeling great! Glad I did it. I asked what caused it. I type but not a lot of repetitive things otherwise... she said she thought it was arthritis. )I have that in my fingers. and the tunnel is narrowed by the wrist arthritis. Now it has opened up and medial nerve can be free!

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My husband is scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery this Tuesday, because of severe pain and numbness in his dominant hand. He was diagnosed with PMR, May (2024) and has been on Prednisone and in the process of reducing that and is at 2 mg now. We are really questioning whether he should proceed with this surgery, as we are thinking this is actually a PMR symptom, although not a common one. He also is dealing with swollen feet and ankles. He had an EMG test a few weeks ago, that has lead to the carpal tunnel diagnosis. He also had an MRI and they are saying he has nerve issues in his cervical spine and are looking at possible surgery for that, as well. We are very apprehensive about proceeding with these interventions, if they are all simply further symptoms of his PMR and could be relieved by simply going back up on the Prednisone again and tapering again, more slowly this time. We sure don’t want to add any complications to this PMR disease. My husband is 71 and in good physical shape, we are eating an anti inflammatory diet and he is maintaining a pretty consistent exercise plan.

REPLY
1 reply
yogabonnie | @yogabonnie | 9 hours ago
In reply to @vlafeve "My husband is scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery this Tuesday, because of severe pain and numbness..." + (show)
@vlafeve

My husband is scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery this Tuesday, because of severe pain and numbness in his dominant hand. He was diagnosed with PMR, May (2024) and has been on Prednisone and in the process of reducing that and is at 2 mg now. We are really questioning whether he should proceed with this surgery, as we are thinking this is actually a PMR symptom, although not a common one. He also is dealing with swollen feet and ankles. He had an EMG test a few weeks ago, that has lead to the carpal tunnel diagnosis. He also had an MRI and they are saying he has nerve issues in his cervical spine and are looking at possible surgery for that, as well. We are very apprehensive about proceeding with these interventions, if they are all simply further symptoms of his PMR and could be relieved by simply going back up on the Prednisone again and tapering again, more slowly this time. We sure don’t want to add any complications to this PMR disease. My husband is 71 and in good physical shape, we are eating an anti inflammatory diet and he is maintaining a pretty consistent exercise plan.

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not a doc but the carpal tunnel diagnosis sounds solid. however see if he can get a cortisone shot and if it heals it he will know if it all comes back in 4-5 months .... but he should get relief in the hand affected. That is what I did because I didn't QUITE believe the EMG which said carpal tunnel along with the carpal tunnel surgeon..who gave me the shot instead knowing no doubt I would be back! It sounds to me like he has tapered WAY TOO QUICKLY to 2mg. just diagnosed in 2024??? course I have been on for 7 years. However I think I tapered too slowly... and now having difficulty getting off. but he is in the first YEAR. I dont know ANYONE off in a year. or even at 2mg. I personally would go to 5 and see how all the symptoms fare before any surgical intervention.
good luck!!! also check out the site Healthunlocked.com It is wonderful. go to the PMR/GCA group. Lots and lots of support and knowledge there.

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