Anyone have polymylagia, or know someone who does?

Question

I was just diagnosed with polymylagia rheumatica today, and was curious if anyone here has had it or dealt with it in some way. The Dr explained it as a rheumatoid / autoimmune disease that best responds to steroid treatment. I am a diabetic (in good health / control), and have been a very physically active person until now. I'm a cop and a volunteer FF/Medic, who now cannot do my job because of the pain level. I have very intense pain in my neck and shoulders on movement, and a dramatically reduced range of motion in my arms. This obviously prevents me from working as an officer, or making any type of response with the Fire Department. I can barely type now. I was fine, completely asymptomatic 72 hrs ago, and this is completely atraumatic in nature. I don't want to try steroid therapy right off because I don't want to screw my blood sugar up. I'll do what the Doc says,but anyone's comments based on practical experience or additional knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a type of arthritis that affects the muscles. It does not affect the bones, or the joints, which are the spots where two bones come together.
It causes muscles to become stiff, tender and very sore. This is called inflammation.
Even though the muscles are sore they do not become weak.
Polymyalgia rheumatica affects the muscles of the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips and thighs.
It is believed that the pain is caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the muscles.
Giant cell arteritis is a condition related to polymyalgia rheumatica. It causes the blood vessel on the front of the head to swell. It can cause a person to go blind

No one knows what causes polymyalgia rheumatica. Genetic factors may play a part, and so the disease might be hereditary.

You can try-------->
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes used to treat polymyalgia rheumatica. These are a type of medication that helps reduce pain and swelling and decrease stiffness. ALTHOUGH please consult the DOCTOR before.

Oral cortisone is most often prescribed for polymyalgia rheumatica and for giant cell arteritis. Cortisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation.I suppose this will be most certainly PRESCRIBED TO YOU.
Some side effects----- from long-term use include cataracts, high blood pressure, sleep problems, muscle loss, bruising, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), weight gain and increased risk of infections. For treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica the dose is rapidly decreased to the lowest doses possible.

Exercise may help reduce pain and will keep muscles from becoming weak.

Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces pain and soreness. For example, take a hot shower.
Applying cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling. For example, put an ice pack on the area that is sore.