Polymyalgia Rheumatica

[Psybbo]

An 85 yr old diagnosed and prescribed 2x5mg prednisolone mid June with the promise of immediate relief. So far no appreciable improvement other than a bit of ease midday. She is asking is there anything she can buy that would strengthen her arms, and should there not be improvement by now?

[Sqad]

My first thought......is the diagnosis correct? Who made the diagnosis and what blood tests were performed.
Because a doctor gives a diagnosis it doesn't mean necessarily that it is the correct one.
One should see improvement of symptoms within a week of starting treatment with prednisolone.

I would ask for referral to a Consultant Rheumatologist.

[NoMercy]

2 x 5mg per day...That's an awfully low starting dose for longstanding PMR. I've know patients be commenced on 60mg per day before starting a very, very slow tapering regime.

[Psybbo]

Thank you Sqad, I'll pass that on, so glad you are back. She is seeing her doctor next Thursday and I'll update when and if there are any developments.
Thank you again for your input.

[Psybbo]

Thanks too, NoM

[Sqad]

Yes good point by NoM^^^ 10mgms is a small dose.

[zylaphone]

Good luck Psyboo. Sqad - marvellous you are back!

[Psybbo]

Thanks xylophone, yes great to see him back

[Psybbo]

I did type zyl^

[zylaphone]

Not a problem, it is a stupid avatar, I will change it!