Polymyalgia Rheumatica

[molly5673]

Has anyone on here every been told that they have Polymyalgia Rheumatica?  I cant find anyone.  My dr says I have it.  I dont believe him.  Thoughts?

[hrtroubleshooters]

Yes, I have PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica).  It can be identified by two blood tests, Creatinine and C-Reactive Protein, I think.  I've had it for 3 years and have been on Prednisone for 3 years.  When I am on 15 or more mg./day of Prednisone it really helps.  However, I have been trying to get off this drug because of its severe side effects and am down to 2 mg/day now but have added a pain medication, Oxycodone  to offset it.  No matter, it's killing me and I am thinking about going back on the higher dose of Prednisone.

I also have severe arthritis; osteonecrosis of the hips (total hip relacement of my right hip schedled for January 29, 2008);   If this doesn't give me some relief I will be confined to a wheel chair.  If it does I will have the other hip done this summer.

Of course, the hip operations won't help the horrible pain from the PMR but at least I'll be able to walk again.

I also have degenerative disk disease in my spine but have no intention of having a spinal operation.  (I had one 30 years ago and will never do that again.)

I am 68 and until a few months ago still pretty active.  Now I'm down to teaching on-line and using a wheel chair when I travel to do occasional seminars.  (In my head and heart I'm only 40 so I can't figure out why I am in so much pain!)

By the way, Mydafodill, I love Turkey; did a seminar there a few years
ago.

Good luck, Molly5673.  Get those blood tests and ask your doctor (Rheumatologist) about Prednisone!

hrtroubleshooters

[mydaffodil]

I'm living in Turkey and my mom and dad have rheumatic pains for some years. They got well only after they had a therapy in one of the spa centers (with thermal water) here. Now they have no pain. I really appreciate the help of those spa staff. And I built a website to inform people about spa, thermal water and their cures. ıf you have the opportunity, have a look at it. may be it helps. www.***********.net