I'm living in Turkey and my mom and dad have rheumatic pains for some years. They got well only after they had a therapy in one of the spa centers (with thermal water) here. Now they have no pain. I really appreciate the help of those spa staff. And I built a website to inform people about spa, thermal water and their cures. ıf you have the opportunity, have a look at it. may be it helps. www.***********.net
Yes, I have PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica). It can be identified by two blood tests, Creatinine and C-Reactive Protein, I think. I've had it for 3 years and have been on Prednisone for 3 years. When I am on 15 or more mg./day of Prednisone it really helps. However, I have been trying to get off this drug because of its severe side effects and am down to 2 mg/day now but have added a pain medication, Oxycodone to offset it. No matter, it's killing me and I am thinking about going back on the higher dose of Prednisone.
I also have severe arthritis; osteonecrosis of the hips (total hip relacement of my right hip schedled for January 29, 2008); If this doesn't give me some relief I will be confined to a wheel chair. If it does I will have the other hip done this summer.
Of course, the hip operations won't help the horrible pain from the PMR but at least I'll be able to walk again.
I also have degenerative disk disease in my spine but have no intention of having a spinal operation. (I had one 30 years ago and will never do that again.)
I am 68 and until a few months ago still pretty active. Now I'm down to teaching on-line and using a wheel chair when I travel to do occasional seminars. (In my head and heart I'm only 40 so I can't figure out why I am in so much pain!)
By the way, Mydafodill, I love Turkey; did a seminar there a few years
ago.
Good luck, Molly5673. Get those blood tests and ask your doctor (Rheumatologist) about Prednisone!
hrtroubleshooters