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Polymyalgia Rheumatica anyone

(7 Posts)
LucyAnna5 Mon 12-Oct-26 14:56:45

The outcome of using steroids seems to vary from person to person. Our next door neighbour is still taking steroids after 4 years, whereas my BIL was able to stop taking them after about a year and is now fine.

shysal Mon 12-Oct-26 13:32:00

My CRP inflammatory marker is always high with my RA, but there is a Rheumatoid Factor test which is specific for that. I wish him luck!

kittylester Mon 12-Oct-26 12:56:59

He is having a test to check his CRP level which, with the other symptoms, is a good indicator - according to the gp.

yogitree Mon 12-Oct-26 12:35:19

I have a friend who had it. She took the meds and after 1.5 years she is all clear.

shysal Mon 12-Oct-26 12:27:39

I have had PMR and refused to take steroids as I was worried about taking them because of the side effects including weight gain. However, my condition progressed to Rheumatoid Arthritis which I now have for life rather than the shorter lived PMR. I asked my consultant if it was my fault for allowing my body to remain inflamed, but she couldn't be sure. I know several people who have taken the steroids and experienced immediate improvement. It took a while to ween themselves off, but after a couple of years all is well. Given the choice now, I would have taken them.
I understood that there wasn't a specific blood test to confirm PMR, but the immediate improvement with steroids was diagnostic. I am talking quite a long time ago, so perhaps there is now a test. I hope your husband will soon be helped.

Samsara1 Mon 12-Oct-26 10:49:00

I am sorry to hear that. I do know a number of people who have it and respond to treatment but other thing will be important like nutrition and physio of course. Can't escape it for anything really. I hope all will be well.

kittylester Mon 12-Oct-26 10:45:40

DH is having a blood test tomorrow to check whether this is the cause of his weird aches and pains.

We have a friend who has it and, initially, refused the steroids. She is now taking them.

Anyone with experience of this with any tips or wisdom to impart?

Thank you.