Polymyalgia - Immune Disorders Message Board

Megherc · 07-23-2002, 12:55 AM

My mom has polymyalgia rheumatica for the last 3 years and is on predisone. The side effects bother her at times. Every time the doc tries to get her off of it, the sed rate usually goes back up. I was under the impression it is an autoimmune condition causing dangerous levels of blood inflammation. I was wondering if anyone on this board has any information on what causes this or if there is anything she can do that would help this condition and maybe allow her to get off predisone. I will appreciate any advice since this seems to be a mystery as to why she got it(no family history) and there doesn't seem to be a cure.

Megherc · 07-24-2002, 04:06 PM

If nobody knows, perhaps I am mistaken that it is an immune problem and am on the wrong board? I'll give the arthirtis board a try, since it seems to effect her abilities to move.

TiKi · 07-24-2002, 05:35 PM

I have had "PMR", for nearly 2 years. Your post seems to be correct ,to me.The treatment and diagnosis of your mother's symptoms , unfortunately is the mystery of this disease. I was always healthy, untill the onset of this. Am down to 4 mg, ot Pregnazone, having bad days, good days..each day is different. It has to "play out it's term".This depends upon the individual. If I can help more, let me know. My sympathies to your mom.

Megherc · 07-24-2002, 06:41 PM

Thankyou so much for your reply. She was healthy too. I hope they find something that will cure it. My sympathy to you as well...I can't figure out what is worse, the condition or the treatment.

TiKi · 07-25-2002, 03:28 PM

Hi, Unfortunately there is no cure, was discovered in 1957- 1 in 200 women over the age of 50 get it.
In short , the body manufactors an enzyme that enables the shoulder & hip joints move without pain For some unknown reason, the body stops supplying this enzyme. Then pain sets in with any movement, strenght leaves the muscles, ( I was so bad, I could not even comb my own hair) In short..it has to run its course...the main thing is # 1 deal with Function # 2 Deal with the Pain, ( the hardest, requiring medication, too)
Then, when the Pregnazone taper down, to zero...Doc. said that, it takes a year for it to vacate your system. Hopefully, this info, will help in more understanding. May be in the genes, so Luck, to you.