Patient Comments: Polymyalgia Rheumatica - DiagnosisHow was your polymyalgia rheumatic diagnosed?
Comment from: Ken, 65-74 Male (Patient)
Published: April 05
It took three months and five doctors to be diagnosed with PMR. I started on 10 mg of prednisone. I found that taking ½ in the morning and ½ in the evening worked best, along with one aspirin in the middle of the day. It's been six months, and I'm down to 6.5 mg a day; and some days I take 6 mgs. I'm trying to get to 5mgs a day. Good food is important, especially lots of veggies. I've always been healthy, but four months before I got PMR, I came down with Bell's palsy. The treatment was also prednisone. Three months later, I was over the Bell's, but a month late, the PMR started. To avoid weight gain, I still eat lots of veggies when hungry and go to the gym four or more times a week. What a weird disease! Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: bardot, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: February 15
My PMR was diagnosed in late last year. I thought I was going crazy because the NSAIDs were not working or the Tylenol#3 my doctor had prescribed for back pain. When I went to the doctor I was vaguely aware of the condition because I knew an older man who had been diagnosed. Sure enough the CRp and Sed rates were elevated and I immediately responded to the treatment of 20mg Prednisone a day. I felt on top of the condition. My blood sugars were under good control. Then two weeks ago I had a flare up. I don't hear anyone talking about the muscle spasms. My doctor thinks its restless leg syndrome but this is different. The muscles will wake me up curled feet at night to the point I have to get up and walk. I'm still working and I called off today because I could barely walk. I feel frustrated. I think it's time to see a Rheumatologist. I increased my prednisone dose from 9mg to 10mg and I have a call into the doctor to increase it higher for the flare up. I'm a nurse and need to be on my feet all day and can't afford to be off nor do I want to be. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Female (Patient)
Published: February 01
I have had PMR for about 3 years now. I am going to try and work with my immune system to make it stronger. My intention is to do it by diet. Eating food that strengthens m immune system. I am tired of the side effects of prednisone. I have nothing to lose and much more to gain. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: September 24
I was diagnosed with PMR about two years ago. I am a 67 year old female. It started with severe pain in my knees and the top part of my legs. I could hardly walk and everyone thought it to be some form of arthritis. It wasn't until my arms started to have excruciating pain that my doctor figured it to be PMR. A blood test was administered and my sed rate was elevated. I was put on 10 mg of Prednisone. I immediately felt relief. I felt like I was 30 all over again. I am now feeling stiff in the same part of my leg. I suspect it is PMR. I understand this thing can go away for some people. I am not that lucky, nor do I think this will happen. I believe that I will always be on some dose of Prednisone for short periods of time. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: gustywind01, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: February 28
The Doctor. I listed all my symptoms on paper before seeing a doctor. I was a new patient, having not seen a doctor for 9 years. I was always healthy. When the pain struck I tried home remedies for 4 months since I didn't have insurance. Because friends thought it might be Lyme disease I finally went to see a doctor without much hope I am afraid. He hadn't read half what I had written when he looked at me and said "I know exactly what you have: Poylmyalgia rheumatic!" Still focused on Lyme disease I was doubtful, having never heard of it, but I agreed to some lab work and to start a six day program of Predisone. It was unreal after just 2 pills in the morning and 2 this afternoon, no pain when I attempt to stand from a sitting position. Bless this man! My doctor was right on the spot for me. This is a first in my experience with doctors. After reading Patient Discussions on the web-site I am even more impressed at how quickly he diagnosed this. A+ DOC. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Polymyalgia Rheumatica - Symptoms
Question: The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica - Treatment
Question: What was the treatment for your polymyalgia rheumatica?
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According to many statistics, I am too young to have a polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosis, but I do. Most people don't experience the symptoms until they're in their 60s, 70s or 80s. I was diagnosed after I was tested for just about every inflammatory process as we looked for the source of my constant pain. I've had knee pain for a long time. I was living with it through the use of cortisone shots and the occasional use of pain medication. I don't remember when the other pain started, but I know that I have not felt well for a long time. The pain could be described in many ways because it took many forms: stabbing, burning, throbbing, dull, aching.