Hi Grace -
I was in agony for nearly three years with hip, lower back pain and neck and shoulder pain and it was purely by chance that my doctor send some additional blood tests off about 6 months ago after I was laid up in bed for over 3 weeks in agony with my lower back. They came back all raised an she advised I have PMR. I went to see a consultant Rheumatologist. Upon reviewing all the notes from the Doctor he said you don't have PMR you have Fibromyalgia, your far too young to have PMR. I am also a Diabetic type 2 and have high blood pressure. I have had through the consultant a lower spine MRI and a full spine MRI then he sent me for a MRI of my brain as well. All came back with lower back degenerative disease, and overgrown bone at the top of my spine, the brain scan came back with white matter lesions very excessive for my age !
I have been to a physio and had relaxation sessions I am awaiting for a referral back to the consultant through NHS as my own insurance through work has been used for this year. I am in agony and the pain killers do not work I don't get any sleep and I am up and down all night tossing and turning, its a drain and a visious circle and never ending if you know what I mean. I cant even hang out 2 0 4 things on the line without my shoulders and neck and back burning in pain, also cant wash pots without being in pain but no one really understands as they all say I look well and have lost over 2 stone in the last 4 -5 months ......its getting me down and to top it all they have messed up my referral at my docs and sent through a blank template to them for the consultant so it has to start the whole process all over again .! nightmare ......sorry for moaning everyone ! I am usually a glass half full girl and love to laugh but its getting tougher and tougher to smile .....