Pemi and Domino, I too live in Boston. I was diagnosed with
PMR the Wednesday before last. I shared most of the
symptoms that you're all describing, but it seemed that it came
on more slowly for me and started out in my lower back and
thighs, so I thought I had a bad case of sciatica. Went to the
doctor who prescribed a couple of aspirin and rest. A couple of
weeks later I went back again to a different doctor, who at my
request agreed that I see a chiropractor. Did that for several
weeks, and the pain worsened and spread to my shoulders,
neck, and back. I was trying to do stretches on the floor one
day, and could barely get up off the floor. I thought the aches in
my arms and shoulders was because I was overcompensating
to lift myself from a sitting position. Finally, went back to the
doctor that my colleague recommended, and she diagnosed
PMR. Started out with 10mg prednisone…within a few days I
felt about 60% better. I went back to see her a couple of days
ago, and she increased the dose to 12.5mgs. I manage a
computer support group, and I’ve only stayed out a couple of
days, but it’s been pretty awful dealing with the pain at work.
The good news, is today, one of my staff was at lunch, so I went
to help one of his users, and forgetting my condition, I crawled
under the desk to hook up a device, and was able to get back
up without effort! I’m still sore, especially around the shoulders,
but I’m very encouraged with the progress, so far. Spring is
coming, I want to get back to tennis, and I want to get back to
commuting to work on my motor scooter!
A couple of good things from this condition: I’ve received tons
of sympathy from my friends and colleagues, and I got a MBTA
bus to kneel for me!
Take care, Mary Ann
P.S. I’ll be 57 in June.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com