Question 1

Is it possible to get polymyalgia rheumatica at age 35?

Accepted Answer

By definition polymyalgia rheumatica doesn't start until one is over 50. Of course, nothing is impossible and in a 49 year old with classic symptoms you might consider it, but at the age of 35, it should not be in the differential.

Question 2

Do lots of people get polymyalgia rheumatica, or is it unusual?

Accepted Answer

But it is not rare either. Pmr is a disease of older adults (>50 years) and is found in about 7 per 1000 people. It is more common in the scandinavian countries and people whose origins are from there. I would not call it unusual.

Question 3

Can polymyalgia rheumatica be so bad that one can not get out of bed some days and better as day goes on on is that more myositis?

Accepted Answer

Both dis4eases can cause those symptoms. Will polymyalgia rheumatica you have pain but no muscle weakness. With myositis you would have muscle weakness with pain.

Question 4

I'm on prednisone for polymyalgia rheumatica. can i get a cortisone shot in my knee?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the dose of prednisone you`re taking. If a doctor is recommending an injection and is aware of this, there is no reason why not to do it.

Question 5

I was recently diagnosed with possible polymyalgia rheumatica. how could i have gotten it at my age?! (age 38). seeking second opinion w/ rheumatology

Accepted Answer

This is an autoimmune illness and a rheumatologist  is the correct choice

Question 6

Is polymyalgia rheumatica autoimmune if ana is negative or result of old age?

Accepted Answer

So ANA is probably the most misinterpreted test by almost everyone: it is just a screen for autoimmunity, but not all autoimmunity. And a positive ANA does not mean disease. So, pmr is ANA negative, but still may represent an autoimmune condition. What the autoimmune target is remains unclear though. True, it is exclusively seen in older (>50-60 yo) people, and this remains unclear why also.

Question 7

Is it possible to have polymyalgia rheumatica at the age of 38? this is what the er doc believe that i have due to severe weakness and fatigue.

Accepted Answer

This disease usually occurs in people over 50 but it is not impossible to get it at an earlier age. See a Rheumatologist  as soon as you can to get their opinion on the diagnosis and treatment.

Question 8

How likely is it my sx are caused by polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis? only aged 25 female. severe headache, temple, neck & shoulder pain

Accepted Answer

The answer depends largely on the duration of your various symptoms.  If your symptom cluster persists over time and does not go away after 7-10 days,  or runs in frequent cycles of 4-10 days, then you need to see a rheumatologist.

Question 9

What is polymyalgia rheumatica like?

Accepted Answer

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually is a condition in people greater then 50. It causes stiffness and pain in muscles and joints including the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs. It can be associated with fevers and rarely weight loss. It is associated with an elevated  sedimentation rate and c reactive protein which are both measures of inflammation. Treatment is steroids.

Question 10

Polymyalgia rheumatica --what is pmr?

Accepted Answer

Polymyalgia rheumatica (pmr) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in people 50 years of age and older. It is associated with severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips. Pmr can also lead to blindness due to inflammation in blood vessels of the eye. Pmr is treated with steroids and Aspirin to prevent blindness. Other medicines (antibiotics) are sometimes used to prevent steroid effects.

Is it possible to get polymyalgia rheumatica at age 35