Hi there , I'm 47 and was diagnosed with PMR at 46 . I responded very well to steroids. Along with hip and shoulder pain which I've suffered from for 8 years. Drs said it was fibromyalgia for a long time. Had 2 ops for frozen shoulder and 3 years back weakened muscle to point of being hospitalised . I got knuckle pain and swelling shoulders and hip pain have come back too when lowered dose of steroids . Has anyone else had knuckle problems ? Thank you
Hi Veronica - I had problems with my left leg on a low dose which took about 2 months to go. Recently I to have experienced swollen kuckles in my right hand. I know all sorts of effects come to light as folks have reported them on the forum. We are all different!! I'm hoping as I reduce lower (now at 4.5 mg 19 months in) that all these 'odd' effects will go - please!
Best of luck - John
Veronica, I think an appointment with your MD/GP or maybe a Rheumy if you have one. If you have shoulder pain on lowering your dose of Pred it seems that the lower dose doesn't contain the inflammation well and you need to increase the dose to give you some relief.
I'd also take the knuckle question to the medics - PMR doesn't usually affect the smaller joints.
Hi John , thank you for your reply . Since I have been on here I've learnt a lot from you all. One thing is that the diease is much more gripping after taking pred then I was led to belive by Drs and the NHS web site.
All the best on your recovery , best wishes , Veronica
I was a lot better On a higher dose so agree with you. Am seeing my Rhumatologist in March he wants me to be down to 10 mg by then I'm on 12 and am finding it hard to move about even , so no chance of me being down to ten by then. On strong pain killers but it only takes half the pain away and the stiffness is still there
PS thank you for taking the time to writing to me , all the best for your recovery .
Veronica, I didn't even realize that I wasn't cured by the pred until I came on the forums.
Good a 'curing' the symptoms