I am 69 years young from the North of England and was diagnosed with GCA in February followed, within 6 weeks, with PMR.
The GCA was quickly brought under control with a maximum dose of 40 mg prednislone, but the PMR is appalling. I have managed to get down to 20mg and await the next step down. Yes, weight gain, moon face and peach fuzz. But the upside is permanent tan - so do not have to bother with make-up.
I am wondering does anyone else suffer with pain in the lower back which actually stops you walking for more the about 4 yards? I am able to cope with other aches and pains to a good degree, although I have more bad days than good. I have not yet found a pain-killer that works for me, athough my GP is brilliant.
I would also be interested to know if anyone has tried Acupuncture for pain relief for PMR.
I have experienced all those symptoms and my biggest prob. is pain in lower back and numbness in the left lower leg on walking, I have to sit a few minutes to recover and head back home, very depressing but I have some plasters I bought in Singapore, \" La Salponpas\" made in Japan, a very gentle plaster to remove and I found they helped when applied to each side of the coccyx, they last for 8 hrs I have seen them advertised on the net, anything is worth a try, I am on 7mgs prednisolone , started on 50mgs May 006 . Good Luck... Crawf.
I sought out the patches you referred to and before I bought them I took the list of ingredients to my chemist. They are practically identical with 'Deep Heat'. The major difference being that Deep Heat has a small amount of aspirin added. By the way Deep Heat was on sale at my Chemist for small tube £1.29p. I tried it and it gave some very short term relief. I am looking for something longer term and am now trying acupuncture.
Hi there
Had an appointment with Consultant Rheumatologist. He is not sure that the lower back pain is caused by PMR - thinks it could be side effect of steroid.
Going for an MRI scan late December as normal x-ray on back shews normal wear and tear for age.
In the middle of a one treatment per week for six weeks of acupuncture on the NHS - first two treatments - 36 hour pain free - third not so good only six hours. If it works will continue privately.
Let you know in a months time.
Just to let you know, I should have re-read the leaflet supplied with the steroid tablets, it tells you that back pain can be one of the side effects.
I did read the leaflet initially but should have kept on refreshing myself.
It might be a good idea to re-read this leaflet.