Grateful | Arthritis Information

I'd like to than everyone who was kind enough to respond to my "Do I Have PMR" post. Thanks so much. Your replies were both very informative and supportive. This is a great, and certainly needed, forum. I will post an update after I have met with my doctor. Hugh

We are all in the same boat here (well, I am out of that horrible boat for now)

The only way this painful illusive desease is made a little more bearable is to share out experiences with others.

Hi, Marianne. When you say that you are out of the "horrible boat" of PMR do you mean that you have been feeling fine and are no longer on meds, predisone or otherwise. If so, What is the expected pattern? Does PMR always return sooner or later? If so, then what? The resumption of prednisone and a renewal of the cycle? Thanks for the information. In the meantime, enjoy life outside the boat and have a good swim.

Hugh/Sean

Sean,

I think I am out of the "horrible boat" as well. But not feeling fine. Don't know if I will ever fell "fine", though some of the aches are probably back related, as I have spinal arthritis and disc problems, too. After reading all the posts on this forum, I'm not sure there is an expected pattern, despite what all the articles we read say. Many of us have had PMR for more than the couple of years it is supposed to run its course. I had it for at least 5 years, and I guess part of my not feeling fine, too, is due in part to having gotten so deconditioned, that I am having a hard time getting back to where I was before physically. I may never be quite there, but making very slow progress. As far as PMR returning, I don't think anyone knows that for sure either. Since there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, you'd think that maybe PMR would just be "latent" or in remission, rather than gone for good?? But, yes, if it does come back, you could end up back on prednisone, depending on the severity of symptoms and how well you're able to tolerate the pain. Wish I could give you pat info, but this is a strange disease - not rare - but strange, and so little is known about it really. We've all had to kind of make our own way through this. This forum is wonderful for gleaning info and hearing those personal stories, which you just don't get at the dr. office.

Take care.

Reni

Sean,

Everyone's pattern is different but mine went as follows:

At 49 years of age I got 2 years of horrible PMR with headaches (biopsy done showed negative for GCA) starting pred at 30 down to 0. I was fine for 3 years. In july 2006 my hands and wrists started to hurt plus my PMR came back in lesser form. I did not take any drugs for a year because the PMR was not as bad as before (only in the morning for a few hours) 1 year later my hands still hurt so the doc thought RA and prescribed Plaquenel. Within 2 weeks all my PMR and my hand/wrist pain was gone. This was 2 months ago and still drug and painfree.

Saying that....I just took some anti biotics for a bladder infection 4 days now (Levequin) and woke up quite stiff this morning. I am freaking out. Just hoping this is just because I picked up my heavy dog yesterday and will be gone by tomorrow. I am scared to take any medication always thinking it may trigger PMR but I guess we cannot avoid all medicaton....