PMR at 26? | Arthritis Information

After 3 months of unexplained constant pain, I was diagnosed with PMR yesterday. After researching a bit, I've found that PMR does happen to women more, but not until around the age of at least 50. I'm only half way there age wise, but do have all symptoms. I'm heading to a rheumatologist soon for a second opinion and to be started on steriod use....but I'm so worried that at my young age, I'm setting myself up for more problems in the end. I've seen that osteoprosis, high blood pressure, and weight gain are just a few of the wonderful side effects that come along with steroid use, such as Prednisone. I need to feel better ASAP, as I have 2 small children to chase around, plus a job to keep, but wonder if steriods are really the right choice. Just wanting to know if anyone else has heard of someone of my age being diagnosed with PMR, and/or if there are other treatments that help with PMR stiffness and pain. Any information will help. Thanks! I have heard of young women getting PMR but it is good to get another opinion. I think Dr. Weil anti inflamatory diet is worth a try also. I think you will find certain foods will affect how you feel. I don't eat tomatoes, potatoes or peppers. I have very little sugar and really try not to have any. It is important to exercise and keep moving, but when you are fatigued, all I can do is take a nap. Good luck. GeriHey Momma C,

I am 34 and have pmr. If you do have pmr, the prednisone will feel like a miracle!!

It literally took all of my symptoms away over-night.

I ended up only taking pred for a week because of the side-effects. For me it raised my blood pressure (I thought my head would explode). It also caused me to have 3 periods in 45 days and one of them was 12 days long and included a migraine the whole time. I also had constipation that almost took me to the doctor, just for that. I was on a high dose and abrubptly ended it because of my high blood pressure and that could be what caused the rest of my body to whack-out. Tapering the dosage down slowly is so important. I just couldn't stand how high-blood pressure made me feel. The other side-effects can be dealt with: weight gain (eat very healthy, only eat at scheduled times because on Pred you could seriously eat all day long) hair growth on your face (make friends with the hot wax lady at the salon) osteo-porosis (your doc can prescribe fosamax, a bone builder). The bottom line is that most side-effects can be dealt with. You need to be able to live your life, and that is what is important.

If I don't feel better soon I am going to try prednisone again at a lower dose 5-10mg. I too have little kids to take care of. Right now they are taking care of me, its not right.

The most recent thing I have been researching is a couple of bacterial infections that can cause you to have pmr or other arthritis symtoms. They are called Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, and Chlamydia Pneumoniae. (The second one is NOT a sexually transmitted disease, it just sounds bad. You actually contract it by breathing one of the germs that someone else has coughed out into the air.) You might ask your Dr. about being tested for that. If they find it, they treat it with anti-biotics. Over the last 14 months of me being nearly paralyzed by the pain and stiffness I have been through several MRI's, Xrays, an EMG and numerous blood tests, but they have never tested me for an infection....they always tested for sed rate, crp, lupus, Rhuematoid Factor, lyme disease, strep in my joints, ANA, ACCP etc.... which are all arthritis/rheumatological tests. I see my Dr. Monday to ask him about the possibility of a bacterial infection.

Good luck sweetie, My heart goes out to you. Lots of Prayer and this forum have been the only two things that have helped me keep my sanity throughout this.

Take Care,

Donette