Do I Have Polymyalgia Rheumatica Or Fibromyalgia?
Recently a reader wanted to know more about Polymyalgia Rheumatica. It is the readership that I often get my article ideas from. Some readers want more information on a certain topic, while others would like the readership to know about a certain condition. Polymyalgia Rheumatica has many of the same symptoms of fibromyalgia (FMS). However, making a diagnosis is more certain than fibromyalgia because it has characteristics that are definitive and specific. Malaise (general discomfort), fatigue (lack of energy), unintentional weight loss, paint in the joints and muscles, and facial pain are some of the similarities. Polymyalgia Rhuematica occurs most often in people over 50 years old. Other differences include pain localized in the hip and shoulder area, anemia and fever. Fever, in absence of cold/flu/infection symptoms, is the first indicator of the condition. Tests that look for arthritis are often included with the blood tests used to look for red blood cell count as well as ruling o
