I've had problems with lifting my right arm ever since I was diagnosed 2 years ago, but in the last couple of months my shoulder and upper arm muscles have got really painful, and keep me awake at night. I've been going to a sports physio who gives me exercises and manipulates and massages it, and my range of movement has improved but not the painfulness. I try not to use it too much, but that is difficult - I've tried upping my pred dose from 6 to 7.5 which was my last 'happy' dose for 4 days, no change. Tried stopping the exercises, no change. 2 paracetamols in the morning dull it for a little while. Has anyone else managed to find a treatment that worked for them? I'd be glad to hear of your experiences.
Hi priscilla23271
I am now off pred but i used to get painful right shoulder and upper right arm...my doctor gave me Voltarol which you rub into your arm and shoulder which did help me during the day and helped me to sleep a bit better when using t at night. You can buy in pharmacy but cheaper on script.Perhaps you should ask your rheumy for an ultrasound scan as you may be developing Bursitis which is a swollen shoulder bursa..which is an integral part of PMR...hope you get it sorted no fun getting zero sleep..m
Has anyone done an x-ray/imaging? You could have spurs or damage causing the pain that won't be improved by exercises or you may have bursitis because of the PMR - and that may need a steroid injection to calm it down. Oral pred at low doses like you are at isn't enough - joints don't have a good blood supply.
Thanks Eileen, the physio has suggested he sends me for an x ray or a scan...I think I will ask him next time I go.
Thanks Mary, I have tried Voltarol, and it helped a bit... I think I will ask my physio to send me for a scan.
could be a frozen shoulder and i'm sorry to say - from experience - it can take an age to go away and may well have nothing to do with your PMR ......hope you can get some answers soon....x
Hi priscilla23271
Yes, do request a scan and if it turns out to be shoulder bursitis you will more than likely be given a cortisone injection into your shoulder. This will last approx 6-8 weeks then the pain will return. You may have another jab ...in UK they only do cortisone shots 3 times a year. The pain should go on its own 'EVENTUALLY' the time it will take to go is anyones guess, but if not it may require an op. At least you will get a good nights sleep after having the cortisone shot.....good thoughts, good wishes😊
Sorry if I may be not strictly adhering to the rules of the Patient Forum. (I'm not sure if I should be starting another thread with my question, but some of the discussion in this thread has me wondering.)
Are shoulder bursae caused by, or a symptom of, PMR? I ask this question because for the last couple of weeks I have developed a steadily increasing pain in my right shoulder. I can't attribute it to any unusual activity or injury, so could it be brought about by PMR itself? I am inclined to think not because PMR symptoms seem to be bilateral, not specific to one side.
Or, is it something related to the pred taper? (Just went from 9mg to 8.5 after three weeks at 9mg.)
Or...has it got nothing to do with PMR, and I've just wasted everyone's time reading this?
They can be yes - and while most PMR is regarded as being bilateral, it may not be even. You have been on pred for a while, it may have taken the existing bursitis down to a lower level but you have done 2 things (I bet): you have reduced your dose and done a bit much (no doubt you are right handed?). It is easy to do.
I don't care where anyone asks a question (nor do most of us) and always answer it where it is asked as that has always been the nature of this forum - but also suggest a separate post so more people see it. There are occasions when someone gives a protocol lecture about "rules" I didn't know existed. ..
Hi Richard, I think we would all like to know whether it is PMR related, or because we've done too much while tapering, or whether long term steroids cause muscles and tendons to become weak, and so don't support the shoulder joints adequately, which is my Physio's explanation. I just can't wait to feel comfortable again! In the meantime Eileen's advice is well worth taking as she is an expert on our illness, so I'm hoping to have a scan or x-ray to see what is going on.
Thank you Eileen and Priscilla. Slowly but surely this jigsaw puzzle that is PMR is coming together in my head.
Hope there aren't too many corner pieces lying under the sideboard...
No problem; if a piece doesn't fit, I just trim it with scissors until it does.
I've had problems with my shoulders for a couple of years. Attributed to weakened muscles from pred. I get physio and have some very gentle exercises to improve my now somewhat limited range of motion, and hopefully to strengthen the muscles or at least prevent further degeneration. She also gives me low level light therapy, which helps promote healing, as does warmth I think. Sounds like your physiotherapist is a good one, but hopefully not expecting your body to respond the same way one without PMR would? Our muscles simply can't work as well as they do in a healthy person and no amount of therapy can counteract that effect. Just like with our pred taper, slow and steady wins the race!
Thanks Anhaga....yes I have explained to him that I can't do the exercises as hard as someone who is recovering after a sports injury and he is now being more gentle with the massage. I still feel very sore the next day though. Trouble is I teach pottery three mornings a week and use my arms and shoulders all the time, specially when I'm throwing on the wheel. Driving is a bit of a problem too, specially on a long journey. Have you seen any improvement since you've been going to your physio?
Yes. I used to get excruciating stabs of pain in certain positions. Partly I've learned to be more careful, but I'm definitely better. However this is a long haul issue. I'm not getting better overnight plus I keep doing things which exacerbate the problem. Not like you, but right now getting ready to move and packing, painting, etc. She told me not to do these things but I've no choice really, and somehow seem to be coping for the time being.
I'm glad you feel like you are making progress. It's very hard to stop doing the things you know are going to aggravate the condition, but there are certain tasks that have to be done even though you know it's going to hurt later. I use my left arm whenever I can, but that's getting a bit sore too.
Sometimes you just have to let the muscles heal. The exercises I have are ridiculously easy but they have gradually been helping. I did a lot of painting yesterday. A bit uncomfortable overnight but by morning I felt much better, and was able to do more wall painting today, although not as much as yesterday. I believe it is more than the exercises. I think the low level light therapy helps. But I'm lucky I live in Canada and it is widely available here, having been developed in this country. There are clinics offering it in many countries, however. Google low level light therapy toronto kahn and you'll find a link.
I'm quite new to the forum and I don't really understand how it works - each time I reply to someone I seem to end the thread, and then I have to find another way back in again... it puts me off writing anything, which is a shame..
What about tiredness as well? My husband (who has the PMR and takes Pred) is getting unhappy because he feels so tired and weary all the time