Diagnosis and symptoms of newly diagnosed

patlove
patlove Member Posts: 2
Have just been diagnosed with pmr. My symptoms are pain in my arms like toothache spreading down to my hands which become cold on the fingers. The pain starts when I do stuff for exampe washing my hair in the shower, this exhasts me within minutes and the pain is excrutiating so I have to rest my arms til it passes. It also happens when I get dressed or change the bed etc. I was put on 15mg steroids daily but this did not stop the pain completely so its been upped to 20mg daily. The steroids have certainly helped to lengthen the time I can do thing before having to stop because of the pain and the pain itself is not as severe. Everything I read about pmr suggests that there should be stiffness in my neck and perhaps other muscle groups and this is worse in the morning. These are not my symptoms which are only as described above with the addition of lack of energy and shortness of breath sometimes, but I'm not sure whether this is anxiety(!). Are my symptoms usual too? I would be very grateful for any feedback.

Patricia

Comments

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,464
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dear Pat,

    If you are dealing with arthritis it's understandable that you might be concerned. If you'd like to talk about the situation you'd be very welcome to ring us for some support. We can't argue the toss over diagnosis as we are not medically qualified, but we are happy to listen and help and signpost you. There is a specialist PMR/GCA organisation which might be a help too.

    Do give us a call or see http://www.pmrgcauk.com/

    I hope that helps

    Guy