Has anyone had this awful complaint.
I had been suffering pain in my upper arms,
I could not even get out of bed,,so I finally managed with my husbands help.
Doctor thinks I have poymyalgia.
So I am now on steroids.
They seem to find it hard to diagnose and no one knows what causes it.
All they say is that it is an inflammation in the body.
From what I read it can go on for a long time.
It is very restrictive,my husband has to help me dress etc.
I was previously doing everything myself.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common condition that involves widespread aching and stiffness. It often affects the upper arms, neck, lower back, and thighs. Pain and stiffness usually are worse in the mornings. PMR doesn't cause joint swelling, so it can be hard to spot.The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible. Polymyalgia rheumatica is relatively common in the UK. It's estimated that one in every 1,200 people develop the condition every year. Polymyalgia rheumatica is age-related.

I'm so sorry to hear that garland ... on top of suffering the pain it must be so frustrating to have lost some independence .... hopefully the steroids will help.

sending gentle (((hug))) xx

Thank you both,
It’s a horrible complaint.
They say sometimes it can be caused by a sudden injury or Stress.
I have had a bad few months as my brother died who was bedridden at home, he had carers every day.
And I helped him for years.
I had to sort everything out when he died this year.

I know the usual treatment is some sort of steroid; although other medications can also be given like Methotrexate, Calcium & Vitamin D, etc. A combination of rest and physical activity is often prescribed.

The cause of Polymyalgia is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible.
It is an age-related condition and most people diagnosed with it are over 65, it's very rare in people under 50.
It's also more common in women than men.
Prednisone is commonly used as treatment.

I have two cousins who are diagnosed with Polymyalgia.
Their pains are mostly in their shoulder muscles and they
make mention of stiffness in their hips and neck also.

Do foods aggravate Polymyalgia symptoms, probably
very much so?

Yes from what I have read on the internet some foods do.
I have polmyalgia in my upper arms from the elbow to the shoulder.
I am on steroids which I don’t like very much but does ease some of the pain.
How long has your cousins had it for.

garland 2 wrote: Yes from what I have read on the internet some foods do.
I have polmyalgia in my upper arms from the elbow to the shoulder.
I am on steroids which I don’t like very much but does ease some of the pain.
How long has your cousins had it for.

Hi Garland, my cousins have had it for several years. One age 50 and the other
age 60. They both are being treated with Steroids/Prednisone, one other medication
I am unable to remember the name of... and as you shared too, the steroids
for them are helping ease some of the pain, but I don't know how much..