Polymyalgia rheumatica

[heatway]

My wife who is 71 years of age has asked me to see if anyone can help
I have suffered with this condition since April 2007 and it is a terrible complaint to have, the pain across my shoulders all day and every day is awful, the doctor has prescribed steroids which I take but at the moment nothing takes the pain away, can anyone help me as it is unbearable at times and it gives me many sleepless nights

[yogasun]

Hello heatway.
I don't suffer from it but my husband has had it for over 5 years. It is a self limiting auto immune disorder which usually burns itself out in 1 to 3 years.
If you are still getting pain your prednisilone dose is too low.
My husband has been on steroids for 5 years trying to reduce but flare ups make his dosage go up (of necessity).
Upping the dosage solves the problem and enables him to lead a normal life which includes walking about 12 miles a week. There is no other treatment, believe me I've looked into it. If anyone else has any suggestions ....??

[garner]

Every doctor has a different view or way of treating this very painful condition.My old doctor put me on steroids ect which was of little use, when my old doctor retired a new young doctor took over and what a blessing [for new ideas ect] he did not like the use of steroids [ side effects] outway the benefits ect.He sent me to a pain clinic which helped a bit as regards what methods to use but my new doctor put me on the simple paracetamol 500mgm which I have to take at night two by the way which of course is 1.000 mgm this helps at night and does let you relax more.In the day time I have to take codeine three times a day.You are never pain free but it does help and numbs for a while which gives you some respite.Through the pain clinic you are advised on the not to do things ect.Hope this info is of some help, see what your Gp has to say its worth giving it a try,but as I say,everyone is different.Good luck and just remember you are not on your own but sometimes its a question of having to learn to live with it.g.

[Stevie13]

Dear Heatway

Fibromyalgia and CFS patients have high levels of toxins in their body. The first thing i would recommend is a detox, followed by a parasite cleanse ( Black walnut hulls, Wormwood and Cloves). These are anthelmintics. I would then try and improve my liver health, because it is the general of your body. It is your biochemical control centre. Your liver is a filter that protects your body from toxic overload. Also have a look at www.healthyinformation.com
Check out the video clip called natural breakthroughs bring hope for Fibromyalgia.
There is also a great website called www.vitality101.com.
Supplementing the relaxation mineral magnesium also has been shown to help reduce pain.
I hope this helps.

[yogasun]

Stevie13 That was interesting about fibromyalgia.
Are you a naturopath/homeopath? However polymyalgia rheumatica is a completely different complaint to fibromyalgia..
Out of the population I would consider my husband's system to be freer or toxins, etc than most of the population as I have been interested in nutrition and healthy eating for over 35 years long before it became fashionable! He is also teetotal and has been for years so his liver is probably healthier than most!
I am familiar with the work of Philip Day re. parasites, etc.
and have suggested my husband try magnesium as that is suggested for PMR sufferers as well. Believe me he hates taking the steroids!
Thanks for the advice which may help heatway but it is PMR under discussion and not fibromyalgia which has different symptoms more akin to CFS.

[Stevie13]

Dear Yogasun

I am not a naturopath, but i do have a professional therapy qualification, and like yourself i have been interested in nutrition for over 20 years.
Yes, magnesium is an incredible muscle relaxant and the most bioavailable forms to my knowledge are magnesium glycinate or magnesium monoaspartate.
You could also try using an ointment that contains capsaicin - you can apply this to the painful area 4 times a day.
Discover DL- Phenylalanine it helps your brain side step pain. You take 1500mg per day.
There are also herbs that offer low degree muscle pain relief: Black Cohosh, Devils Claw, Wild Lettuce, Fenugreek seeds, Meadowsweet (natural source of salicyclic acid).
Black Cohosh tincture : Dose 2-4ml has had favourable results reported.
Hydrotherapy might also be helpful and saunas are good for relaxing the muscles.
Did your husband develop this condition after the age of 65 and after a flu-like illness? Does he take 5-15mg of prednisolene per day, if so the best time to take this tablet is after breakfast to prevent stomach irritation.
On the plus side PMR does disappear, so your husband can look forward to recovery, however it takes 2-3 years to get there. You probably know most of what i have said, but i hope some of it might be useful.

[yogasun]

Thanks Stevie13 Very interesting. My husband developed it at 55 and he has not had any flu like illness. We both take a few supplements and it's very rare for either of us to have anything, even a cold. He takes the steroids after breakfast - 16mg at the moment but has managed to get down to 4mg a year or so ago. He has had it for nearly 6 years now and the GP said he knows someone who has had it for 11 !! PMR affects shoulders and hips but by definition it can affect other areas. I shall study your useful suggestions. Thanks again.