Polymyalgia?

[moggie 939]

Having had arthritis for some years in my hip I have over the last 3 weeks developed a lot of pain in my shoulders and upper arms with loss of muscle use - painful to lift. Waiting blood tests and in meantime can hardly sleep! Get some relief by application of Iboprufen Gels and tablets - but pain worsens at night when I ly in bed. In daytime when I move around the pain is not as bad and I have more, but not total movement in my arms and shoulders.
Suspect it is Polymyalgia - but in mantime is there anything I can try at night to relieve the pain? Any other Gels or sprays that might help? Have any of you suffered with these symptoms? Tried heat pads and Ralgex but no better although I do get relief for abour an hour with a cold spray.

Thanks anyone

Moggie

[fbg40]

Hi Moggie
Know exactly what you mean !! Suffering a bit myself just lately. Best thing I have tried is alying on my back slightly propped up with a couple of extra pillows. This takes the weight off of the shoulders and also, if you can, place a pillow under your knees, this helps hip pain. Not much help but find it works for me.
Good luck
FBG40

[moggie 939]

THanks fbg 40 - will try that tonite

Moggie

[Naomicorlett]

When my mother developed this the Dr said that the best diagnois was giving steroids......if the pain went within 12 hours then it was PMR. It worked !! and no waiting for blood tests. We used the same on mother-in-law ( with different doctor) Worth asking doctor if they will try a dose of prednisolone.

[moggie 939]

NaomiCorlett
Thanks for that. Am having blood tests today! Suspect that I might be given Predlisolone.

If so, does it work quickly in reducing pain or over a long period?

Moggie

[Naomicorlett]

Prednisalone worked within 12 hours which is why the doctor gave it to them instead of waiting for blood results.. Good luck.

[moggie 939]

Thanks Naomi...

Moggie