Hi Everyone
Been a while since I posted on here but need a bit of help and TLC.
I have had Polymyalgia and GCD for three years and have just managed to get down to 121/2mg thanks to very slow reduction scheme posted on here.
I had managed to adjust my lifestyle and eventually had quite a nice one albeit with different interest. I was still able to do some shorter walks with my dogs which I loved and did a bit of volunteer work so kepy relatively busy. I am 64 by the way.
Now I have been diagnosed with osreoarthritis in the hip. The pain is really bad and I seem to have the choice of being in pain or doped up. My carefully planned week has fallen to pieces and I am getting really depressed. I am sure some of you out there have had this problem and I would welcome your input. By the way I am already on antidepressants and I am diabetic. 
I am due to see a consultant soon but I know the problem wont be going away any time soon. Some of your excellent advice would be welcome.
Oh no! Im sorry you are having a setback like this. Another hiccup in life. Im glad tho that you reduced your medication as well as you did - and Im impressed that you have been able to exercise with your dog and do some volunteer work and keeping busy. Im sure that with some good medical help and support from your doctor, friends and family you will get through this with maybe some adjustments to your life. Antidepressants can certainly help with keeping your mood levels up. With my painful medical condition i am also on strong painkillers and antidepressants and also made huge adjustments to my life so i understand what youre going through. i hope your drs appointment goes as well as it can for you. Keep us posted - would like to hear how you get on. Thinking of you. Best wishes.
Hi Mousemum, I'm so sorry that you are finding things difficult now. Apart from being a few years older than you - 70 next month, we have very much the same problems.
I've been on steroids since I was first diagnosed with PMR almost 14 years ago. have also collected T2 diabetes, asthma and fibromyalgia plus a few other things along the way. One of my latest ones is osteoarthritis in both knees (worse in the right, which is permanently swollen) and left hip.
The problem with OA is that really there is not much which can be done for it in the way of meds as it is a mechanical failure, so to speak, and until surgery can be offered (and accepted), so the individual has to find other ways of getting round everyday chores and living.
Alternative methods such as acupuncture and osteopathy can work, but you do need to find a practitioner who is familiar with the problems of OA, Your doctor should be able to physio which I have found very helpful in terms of exercises to strengthen the muscles round the joints which helps to give somewhat easier movement. You can also be referred to a pain clinic which often helps and to your local Occupational Therapy for suggestions for living/mobility aids and adjustments - again, often very helpful.
I was on crutches for some time, but lately I have bought a mobility walker which is about the best thing from my point of view. I can get further a little faster, carry more and best of all my body weight is being distributed correctly (with a little help from physio).
I also am not a fan of being so doped up I cannot function, but all of the above have helped me in some way so that I cope very well on minimal pain meds. Please do contact your doctor for a chat.
I wish you all the best!
I had osteoarthritis in my hip for 4 years prior to hip replacement surgery over a year ago. And yes, it is painful. For quite a long time I had cortisone shots in my hip that releaved the pain & lasted about 3 months. In my case it was a combination of arthritis & bursitis in the hip. I think the real pain culprit was the bursitis, which cortisone does wonders for. It's a good start. The advantage of the shot is pain free & not doped up. There are answers out there. Keep asking your doctor questions until you find the relief that you need. Good luck.
So sorry you are experiencing that A. Was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my feet/toes. Very depressing because walking was really helpful with my PMR. I can only take acetaminophen (Tylenol ) with the use of Prednisone. My tummy could not tolerate aspirin too. Is there nothing else besides harder drugs? If not then what are the best pain relievers to take in our situation?
Good for you, Mousemum, that you've persevered, reduced your meds and have been walking. Having yet another thing to deal with, and more pain certainly is distressing. I hope you have a good support system, and dogs are great for comfort.
No-one has as yet mentioned hydrotherapy, where you exercise carefully in a warm pool. Helped a friend of mine with arthritis.
Wishing the best for you.
Hi Healinjan and Mouseman,
I had good experience with warm hydrotherapy before I was correctly diagnosed with PMR. I was doing it, having been misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia and had a frozen shoulder and all kinds of pain. It helped with flexibility and reduced some of the pain. Wonderful when in that warm water pool!
I also have been seeing an acupuncutist for pain and reducing inflammation. This helps, also.
Thanks for all your comments. Will take it all on board. Hope to start some gentle swimming this week. Hope the waters warm.
. It so nice to have you all to talk to. You dont feel so alone as family never really understand what you are going through. Love to you all x
And one more thing - don't downplay the pain. The sooner a hip replacement is done the easier the recovery, with or without PMR. Surgeons do like to operate on a relatively fit person, before they have been immobile and lost muscle tone. One lady was told very dismissively by her GP that she wouldn't be considered for a hip op for years as she was far too young. In fact, younger patients are often done quickly to shorten waiting lists as they need less post-op care. She's had her op for over a year now and has recovered brilliantly.
Swimming really helps me, although the pool does seem to vary in temperature from visit to visit. There is also a lovely big jacuzzi and Canadian hot tubs. I find heat on my shoulders particularly pleasant with the warm water making it really relaxing and soothing. I always feel better after I have been swimming.
Eileen you are brill. I have been really worrying bout that. always rely on you
Thanks ptolemy you have really spurred me on. We have a jacuzzi at our health centre. Just need motivating as I have been quite depressed . x