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FYI from Dr. Andrew Weil's Forum

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and morning stiffness (sometimes both quite severe) in the upper arms and legs, neck, shoulder and hip areas. It occurs primarily in older people (the average age at diagnosis is 70), rarely is diagnosed before age 50, and affects women twice as often as men. Although no one knows what causes it, immune system abnormalities and genetic factors are suspected.

Polymyalgia rheumatica seems to be related to another condition, giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis and cranial arteritis), which causes inflammation in the arteries in the head (usually those in the temples). The inflammation causes swelling which narrows or stretches the arteries and may pose a threat to vision. About 15 percent of people in the United States who have polymyalgia rheumatica also have giant cell arteritis, and about half the people with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica. Because of the threat to sight, those with giant cell arteritis in addition to polymyalgia rheumatica must take the steroid drug prednisone until symptoms disappear and tests show that there is no longer a risk of blindness. Signs of this disorder can include headache, pain in the temple, blurred or double vision, and flu-like symptoms.

Polymyalgia rheumatica may begin abruptly but usually develops in a gradual manner over a couple of weeks. Mild or early cases are marked by morning symptoms (lasting one to two hours after waking, then returning after periods of inactivity) as well as fatigue, a sense of weakness, weight loss and low-grade fever, all of which can accompany the pain and stiffness.

The disease often goes away without treatment in a

year or more, but prednisone can bring the symptoms under control within a day or two. The drug really works well for this condition although you always want to take the lowest possible dose and discontinue treatment as soon as possible. Typically, the initial dose is increased until symptoms disappear, and then gradually decreased to the lowest amount needed to relieve symptoms. Treatment usually continues for six months to two years but may be restarted if symptoms recur.

At first, you will need prednisone for the relief it offers. You also might try aerobic exercise, which a friend affected with this condition has told me makes a big difference. I also recommend whole licorice for treatment of inflammatory disorders. You can find whole licorice as a root or extract. Look for products with six to 10 percent glycyrrhizin and follow the dosage direction on the package. Since whole licorice can worsen high blood pressure, check with your doctor before taking it if your pressure is high. Licorice root capsules can be used in the amount of 5-6 g per day. Concentrated extracts can be used in the amount of 250-500 mg three times per day. This approach may enable you to lower her prednisone dose. In addition, you should try to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet. I also recommend using the herbal anti-inflammatory agent Zyflamend from New Chapter. Chinese medicine and mind/body techniques such as hypnotherapy and guided imagery can also help; visit the Mind/Body/Spirit section on this site for more information on these and other techniques.

Domino38712.8353935185

Also from Dr. Weil's website......

Anti - Inflamatory Diet

I can recommend an anti-inflammatory diet as well as natural remedies that may help ease your pain and stiffness. As you may know, inflammation is regulated by a group of hormones known as prostaglandins. Some of these hormones intensify the inflammatory response while others reduce it. You can affect this system by the kinds of fats you eat since the body makes prostaglandins from fatty acids. You may have to wait six to eight weeks to notice the results of the dietary changes outlined below, but they will occur.

Conventional medicine treats autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis with steroids and other immunosuppressive medications, most of which are toxic when used long-term. Patients dependent on these strong drugs are less likely to respond to natural treatments, which can moderate autoimmunity and help control symptoms. Here are my recommendations to consider the following natural remedies:

• Taking a capsule of Zyflamend twice a day. This anti-inflammatory made by New Chapter, Inc. combines ginger and turmeric with other useful herbs.
• Taking 500 mg of citrus bioflavonoids or other flavonoids, such as quercetin, anthocyanidins, or proanthocyanidins three times a day.
• Follow a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet; minimize consumption of foods of animal origin.
• Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made with milk.
• Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils, and sources of trans-fatty acids margarine, vegetable shortening and products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.These fats encourage the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids - eat more cold water fish - salmon, sardines, walnuts or freshly ground flaxseeds or oil and soy foods. Consider taking a fish oil supplement to help keep your protein intake low. Instead of polyunsaturated oils, rely on olive oil. The omega-3s increase production of inhibitory prostaglandins. [NOTE: For those who are allergic to fish or don't like the taste of it, I recommend taking a fish oil supplement with DHA and EPA.)
• Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Emphasize those known for their high anti-oxidant content - for instance, a half cup of blueberries packs as much antioxidant power as five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash, or broccoli.
• Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco - both have been linked to an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with rheumatoid arthritis).
• Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help moderate autoimmune responses, and psychotherapy can help alter emotional states that keep the immune system off balance.
• Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery. Look for a therapist willing to take on an autoimmune disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.
• Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about your condition.
• Take aspirin and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve symptoms.

• In addition to these dietary changes, I would recommend adding the anti-inflammatory herbs - ginger to your diet by eating it in various forms as well as using turmeric as a spice. I recommend Zyflamend, made by New Chapter Company, which includes both. You can safely take these herbs indefinitely.

Domino:

Thanks for the great information from Dr. Weil.  I truly believe in complementary medicine.

Are you using any conventional treatment for PMR?

Have you truly noticed a difference with the supplements above?

Where do you buy them?

Because this is so new to me I am curious how the PMR is affecting others- and how you cope with it day to day.

 

Rosey,
Im on 14 mg of Prednisone / day - I use a lot of supplements but I can honestly say I don't notice any positive effect from them.
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