Polymyalgia Rheumatica

You are probably wondering, “What in the world is Polymyalgia?”  Well, up until a couple of years ago, I had never heard of it myself.  My husband suffers from this and last week he had another flare up.  His symptoms mimic so many of mine, that it seems as though CFIDS/FM, and Polymyalgia are the same.  The one main difference that I can see?  His gets better with treatment, although he hasn’t yet completely rid of it.

Also, Polymyalgia is found in blood work – the SED rate is extremely high when you have this. 

Some of my husband’s symptoms when this flares up are:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Joint and muscle weakness
• Extreme fatigue – he will sleep A LOT!

Sound familiar?  When his Polymyalgia flares, he takes what I believe is some type of steriod.

For more information on Polymyalgia Rheumatica, please click here.

What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Source:  NIAMS.com

“Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Stiffness is most noticeable in the morning. This disorder may develop rapidly–in some patients, overnight. In other people, polymyalgia rheumatica develops more gradually. The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not known; however, possibilities include immune system abnormalities and genetic factors. The fact that polymyalgia rheumatica is rare in people under the age of 50 suggests it may be linked to the aging process.

Polymyalgia rheumatica may go away without treatment in 1 to several years. With treatment, the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are quickly controlled, but relapse if treatment is stopped too early.”