Maybe You’re Not “Just Getting Old”

I thought the pain in my neck, shoulders and hips after my retinal tear was the result of having to sleep on my left side for nearly two weeks while my eye recovered from surgery.

But when physical therapy failed to lessen the pain, and it was difficult to climb over a pasture gate, and then difficult to get out of bed in the morning or out of a car any time, I decided to do some research. I became convinced I had polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

This was supported by tests ordered by my doctor, and by my subsequent response to treatment.

Researchers don’t know what causes PMR. It’s an inflammatory condition, possibly with an autoimmune component. My Scandinavian heritage puts me in a higher-risk group, as does my age (well over 50). The stress of significant eye damage may have contributed.

Of course I’m looking for patterns, but there are so many possibilities to consider.

There were difficult moments beyond the pain. One day I sat in my car in the parking lot at the post office, watching the 10 a.m. crowd shuffle in to get their mail. I didn’t want to follow. Just weeks before I had sympathy, but now I had fear.

Had my days of adventure and freedom become just a memory? Because I couldn’t even raise my arms over my head, let alone lift even a small bag into an overhead compartment on a plane. Pouring a cup of coffee from a pot a third full was nearly a two-handed task. It took planning and resolve to get out of bed in the morning.

The very good news is treatment for PMR is usually effective and low cost. In my case, prednisone knocked it back within 24 hours. Today I did a chinup at the gym and a series of pull-downs. I can walk up one of the (small) local buttes, and enjoy my favorite 3.6 mile trail.

Prognosis is good.

If you are experiencing significant pain in your neck, shoulders and/or hips, if you can remember no specific injury and haven’t been diagnosed with other specific issues, I urge you to ask your doctor about polymyalgia rheumatica. It may be that you’re not “just getting old.”