i have had PMR for 3+ years and take 8m of Prednisone daily. Lately I have been having what I now think is myofascial pain all over, mostly at night, all night. I remember reading about it on this forum, but do not remember anyone actually describing what it feels like. I have had it occassionally before, but always chalked it up to oesteoarthritis. I cannot relate it to any activity or anything in my diet...it comes and goes. No swelling, no particular areas of pain...just pain all over. Is this myofascial pain? Thank you.
My myofascial pain is not all over - it is primarily a back muscle thing for me. If certain nerves are irritated by the spasmed muscles then there can be referred pain - variously into the upper arms, legs and around the ribs.
Is the PMR diagnosis as certain as it can be? There is a form of inflammatory arthritis which typically causes night-time pain, earlier in the night than PMR tends to, and is sometimes confused with PMR in the diagnostic process. Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect other parts of the body although it is normally associated with spinal problems.
For some time I have not had the pain or stiffness in the a.m. I did have it morning and night when I first got the PMR. Also had very high ESR and C-Reactive Protein! Which helped with diagnosis. Responded within the hour to 15m of prednisone! Gradually the ESR and C-Reactive Protein went down. The additional pain I am now experiencing is similar to PMR but is all over...not just biceps, groin, feet. I cannot get co fortabke in bed because, like the beginning of PMR, my limbs cannot tolerate the weight of the other limbs...knee to knee...arm to arm...foot to foot. Will talk with my doctor about an alternate diagnosis...but the prednisone, when I take enough, sure does work
Have you maybe gone slightly too low with your dose and are now experiencing a flare? Some people find flares can be very different to the original version of PMR. I had one last year that manifested as severe breathlessness to start with. The hip pain appeared later.
...the other odd thing is that There is no swelling, joints move freely,...I am really pretty flexible!
I had a flare that started out with me hurting all over. It did not happened just at night though. And eventually it went into my hips, shoulders, neck, etc.. My guess would be you still have PMR and this is a PMR flare and like Eileen said you simply need to up your Prednisone dose.
Right on Eileen! I am back to 8m, but took 9m for a day to catch up...I think I did flare!
I think I was surprised at how quickly I did not take to my attempt to taper using the DSNS method. One day missing 1/2m and a day later I am a mess! Guess I will hold for a couple of more weeks.
Appreciate your input.