- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Interviews
JoAnn's interview
How did all start?
Age 14 playing basketball I noticed a grinding and popping in my shoulders that at the time was not overly painful but concerning. Flash forward 4 years and I developed sudden onset synovitis. Approximately 4 years ago my rheumatologist diagnosed me with polymyalgia rheumatica at age 28, which is early for this disorder, but came secondary to undiagnosed Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
14 years
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Celebrex 200mg BID
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Balancing.
Some days I can go all day and be fine. Some days rolling over to get up to pee is excruciating. Learning to balance is always a challenge.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My parents understand but don't know how to relate. I had an ex-boyfriend that accused me of just being lazy or constantly told me that if I went to the gym and lost weight everything would be fine, or made comments about how "you're always in pain" or "I can't touch you without hurting you" or "you're in pain, what else is new?"
What things have you stopped doing?
Sports, being athletic. That was what first clued me in and because of it I can no longer do the things I used to physically.
