Polymyalgia at age 32? Helpful diet?

[libertygyrl]

Have had some serious health issues that have escalated over the past year - have stabilized blood sugar with diet to control serious hypoglycemia (diet from an endocrinologist); controlling some sports-related osteoarthritis/compressed disks in my spine with Motrin regularly and cyclobenazprine rarely, as needed; regularly receive chiropractic work; I am also in the process of being treated for endometriosis with Lupron (has been working wonderfully, alleviated a lot of pain so far) and still, I occasionally have these weird attacks of extreme fatigue and weakness that seem unrelated to any of the previous conditions -  severe pain and weakness, primarily in my arms and legs, thighs and upper arms mostly.  Crippling all-over fatigue.  Sometimes it hurts to stand, or is very difficult to walk up stairs.  During these attacks, I have difficulty lifting small amounts of weight (like an 8 lb cat, or just lifting my arms is painful). Let me add that I am 32 years old, very physically fit, and am active every day.  When these attacks are over, I am again able to lift at least 50 lbs quite easily.  Thought previously these attacks may have been related to the hypoglycemia or endo, but both of those are being managed successfully and still these attacks occur.  They are definitely related to the weather.  We have thunderstorms and possible tornados rolling in tonight, and I've had pain and weakness for several days now.  Sometimes the attacks last a few days, sometimes a few weeks.  They have been increasing over the past few years in duration, intensity, and frequency, and have been going on for about 10 years now.  They were very infrequent at first.  Motrin and other medications do nothing for this pain, whereas with the osteoarthritis in my spine, it helps quite a bit.  I was given prednisone for a muscle tear in my shoulder a few months ago, and felt amazing - had so much energy!  Apparently this is in the treatment for PMR. I am trying to figure out a diet/treatment plan that will help with all these conditions.  I am trying to get in to see my doctor to get a referral for a rheumatologist to hopefully get all this figured out.  My job requires physical labor - it's incredibly frustrating to have these attacks and not be able to work, or to have to work anyway and be in constant pain.  Or drop things because my arms aren't working.  Causes for PMR? Diet? Meds? Anything helpful?  Could this be something else?  What is causing this?

[carolanivey]

Ibuprofen can be hard on your liver, so you will definitely want to tell your rheumatologist about your long-term use of it and how much you're taking. You may be just fine taking that much over a long period of time - everyone is different, some can't tolerate it at all, some have livers of iron. :D  

As it happens, I've been doing some research on atlanto-axial subluxation, which my rheumie suspects I may have (I go for an MRI on Thursday). One of the symptoms is periods of weakness/dizzyness. With your spinal involvement, it might be worth asking your rheumatologist about when you see him or her. So far i don't have any pain or neurological symptoms, just an occasional sensation of something clicking in my upper cervical spine.

Have you seen a neurologist or an endocrinologist? Just throwing out random ideas, here. :)

[libertygyrl]

These attacks have been going on for years, just started the Lupron several months ago. Had previously attributed it to the hypoglycemia, then got that stabilized, still had attacks.  Got the endo figured out (took a miserable, painful year for an accurate diagnosis), thought maybe that was it, still had attacks, but were worse. Could the Lupron be exacerbating things? It does seem to have some nasty side effects, but it has taken care of the lower back pain and abdominal pain that was incapacitating, so I can actually do stuff now.  I probably could stand to rest more, hard to do but may not have a choice.  Would long-term use of ibuprofen cause anything? Have been taking it for years, doses of 200-800 mg, twice a day, to deal with the sports-related stuff and back issues, and I worry about that, but if I don't take it, have pain and inflammation around my compressed disks.  Thanks for your input and help! :)

[carolanivey]

I would urge you to go online and look up the side effects of your medications. A quick glance at the info on drugs.com indicates that the Lupron could be the culprit in your feelings of weakness. Many side effects fade over time, so maybe patience is all that's needed, or perhaps an adjustment in dose. Also be aware of the long-term side effects of Lupron.

I'm glad you have an appointment with the rheumatolgist. He or she will help you figure this out. If it does turn out to be something along the lines of polymyalgia/fibromyalgia, be aware that no one knows the cause, nor is there a definitive cure. Each person who has it is different, and it may take some time to find the right treatment plan to help manage the symptoms. Many patients find that altering their diet helps; again, what foods you eliminate or add that help your symptoms will take some experimentation. Exercise balanced with adequate rest is also helpful. In other words, you'll need to find out what your personal "wall" is and learn not to push beyond it.

But I'm jumping ahead here - you don't have a diagnosis yet. Work with your rheumie to figure this out. In the meantime, look up the side effects of all the medications (Rx and over the counter) to educate yourself on the side effects. Some web sites also allow you to input all your meds and supplements (includings herbals) to check for interactions.

Hang in there!