Diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica | My Arm Pain Solved at Last!

I can't believe it! After 18 months of suffering from unbearable arm pain, I finally got the answer I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica, a condition that causes inflammation in the muscles and joints. It sounds scary, but it's actually treatable with medication and lifestyle changes. I'm so relieved and grateful to find a GP who took me seriously, after my previous poor experience of medical gaslighting from a very unhelpful GP who wanted to just write it off as part of my ME/CFS and not even bother doing any proper investigation. I am so grateful to this different GP for finding the cause of my agony. Now, hopefully, with the help of steroids, Prednisolone, and careful tapering over time, I can look forward to a pain-free future, and being able to use my arms and hands properly again! My Arm Pain Solved at Last!
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  • @FinnTheInfinncible
    @FinnTheInfinncible4 ай бұрын

    🙏Don't forget to subscribe for more imperfectly random and honest updates, and If you would like to say thanks, and support my work, please join our loving Friends of Finn community as a supporter or member ( And get Discord access and exclusive extra bonus content!)👉 finlaygames.com/memberships-and-donations/ If you'd like to support me in other ways (and get awesome stuff!) you can : 🌟Buy my memoir: finlaygames.com/my-books/ 🌟Get my New Newsletter : substack.com/@finlaygames? 🌟Buy T-shirts: finnspirational-designs.creator-spring.com/ 🌟More T-shirts/accessories: www.zazzle.co.uk/store/finntasticmerch 🌟Visit my Ko-fi store : ko-fi.com/finlaygames

  • @judithlashbrook4684

    @judithlashbrook4684

    4 ай бұрын

    Wow! I can only imagine how good it must feel to not only be heard and understood by a medical professional but that they actually have a possible solution/cure..! I've been collecting syndromes for years now but none with any cure or even help... the only reason I even bother going to the doctors anymore is to get repeat prescriptions and to inform them of my latest health issues so that they can't say I didn't tell them if something turns up that could be sorted (I spent a whole year with pain from gallstones before it was realised as something not linked to my other conditions and treated) Love, light and spoons to you and all who need them!

  • @magicflounder6959
    @magicflounder69594 ай бұрын

    I’m soooooo glad that you got a diagnosis! Knowing makes things much easier to cope with. I have a rare disease with rare complications and it took 40 years to get a diagnosis. Knowledge of why my body does what it does really helps me to cope with the plethora of symptoms and especially the pain as I metabolise pain meds super quickly plus they have little effect. Knowledge and learning self hypnosis techniques cannot be understated. Big hugs to you and congratulations on finally getting answers. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much. Wow I'm sorry you struggled for answers for so long! It's really hard when our bodies don't react and do what we'd expect them to do and we don't know why. But, when we have a medical proffessional.on our sidenit helps doesn't it! I hope you do. Much love your way, thank you for watching and for commenting and sharing

  • @Tealover645
    @Tealover6454 ай бұрын

    Hi Finn, I so identify with your experiences with attitudes. I’ve been fairly lucky with GPs, but they give the diagnosis and then nothing! I was referred to the local ME/CFS service last year, but refused even an initial appointment due to a diagnosis of “likely fibromyalgia “ made by a physio during the pandemic. I’m lucky enough not to suffer from chronic pain apart from the usual ME/CFS muscle aches and headaches so I dispute the fibromyalgia diagnosis. My original ME/CFS diagnosis goes back to 1988 and I had a number of years in remission, but sadly a relapse in 2022. No amount of correspondence with explanations of why I should be seen, with all my symptoms listed and a re referral from the surgery got a response. Just completely ignored. Earlier this year I was seen by the OT and she referred me, but their response was that they would only accept a referral from a doctor!! Very much double standards here as they accepted the likely fibromyalgia diagnosis from a physio, which now stands in the way of any treatment. I’m wondering whether another nail in the coffin for my referral last year was that it was done by the advanced nurse practitioner (so not a doctor)! On a more positive note I got to see a GP Registrar face to face🎉🎉🎉 in January to ask for help with my orthostatic intolerance, he was so very lovely and said he thought I had PoTS. I’m going to see a cardiologist next week. He also referred me back to the ME/CFS service marking it urgent,stating the facts of my illness and quality of life. For anyone struggling with GP attitudes, if you can, try to see a GP Registrar. They are recently qualified so keen to do the right thing. Apologies for the rambling post and I wish you well Finn.

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Please don't say sorry! I'm always grateful for people sharing, and it helps others to for sure! I'm so sorry this has happened to you as well. There's just no excuse for this is there? It's sadly all too common. ME has such poor recovery rates and I'm convinced this is one of the reasons, people are left struggling, without support, their symptoms getting worse, dealing with medical gaslighting , and this has to contribute to the lack of recovery and worsening of symptoms. If caught early and supported early, perhaps prognosis would be better. I have PoTS too. Getting that diagnosed and learning how to manage it, has really helped me to pace better and manage things. It's so hard though, the two together are a lot to juggle! Sending much love your way

  • @Tealover645

    @Tealover645

    4 ай бұрын

    @@FinnTheInfinncible you’re right. Back in 1988 - 1993 I actually had some care. They didn’t know how to treat it but they tried and they cared. Last year I did actually say to the nurse that I shouldn’t have to be treating it myself by watching videos on KZread. when this major relapse/recurrence was diagnosed, the only advice I got from the GP (over the phone) was “you will need to do less or you won’t be able to do anything the next day “. The trouble is, that they are getting away with this because we feel too ill to fight back. When I was trying to be less sad the other day, I came up with one positive - my shoes are lasting forever😂

  • @myowlhasantlers
    @myowlhasantlers4 ай бұрын

    I am so happy you were able to get a diagnosis! I have had fibromyalgia for 8 years and long covid for 3 (which much thanks to the ME/CFS community for all their guidance for us LC folks) and I know how demoralizing it is to have drs say just awful things like your pain isn't real and just push you in the direction of therapy. I apologize if this is over stepping bounds, but if you're going to be on steroids for a long time I recommend making sure that they check your adrenal gland function after you stop taking them. Any long term use of steroids can cause your adrenal-pituitary axis to shut down and at least here in the US it's not something drs regularly screen for. Adrenal insufficiency is something that both mimics and masks other conditions as well. It turns out I had been in complete shut down for at least two years before it was discovered. It took almost a full year after that to recover. Coming off long term steroids can trigger both mental and physical reactions, so going as slow as your body needs even if it seems impossibly slow is worth it. I'm glad you were able to advocate for the care you needed and hopefully your strength will have a ripple effect throughout that office.

  • @ABLovescrafting
    @ABLovescrafting4 ай бұрын

    I'm so glad you have a diagnosis! Step one to feeling better, or at least dealing with it!

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so very much!

  • @natashamason3328
    @natashamason33284 ай бұрын

    So pleased that you’ve finally got the answers that you needed and your polyamorous arms are now starting to behave 😂😘💜 Love you xx

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    They might behave badly now they are polyamourous 🤣. The relief is incredible, and the feeling of being heard is just as wonderful!

  • @O7ghostX
    @O7ghostX4 ай бұрын

    I'm really happy for you! Congrats!

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks my friend!

  • @stefaniedecoster2772
    @stefaniedecoster27724 ай бұрын

    I'm so glad you finally got face to face with the GP who not only knew how to listen to you and understand what you were saying but also knew what to do with that information. Sending loads of muchness your way and hoping this treatment works! Also, some friendly sniffs from Paxton sent along through the keyboard x

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Ah thank you so much lovely! Being heard is such a blessing! Big love and woofs from Pip!

  • @jessicakullander8517
    @jessicakullander85172 ай бұрын

    My mom has PR too, and later developed Giant Cell Ateritis (often, both are connected though GCA develops later, my mom is 70) So keep an eye out for weird head aches, "toothaches" when there is nothing wrong with your teeth, crowns, etc. or face pain. Typically on one side, but can occur on both. Good luck! and keep advocating for yourself and your health!

  • @Jellybeans107
    @Jellybeans1072 ай бұрын

    Hello, just wanted to say how strong I think you are by persisting and not giving up. I know how frustrating it can be and demoralising to not be listened to or taken seriously etc. Im 31 amd Ive struggled with CFS/ME symtpoms since I was 16 and maybe before then. I've struggled for years alone with noone believing me or caring about my issues frankly. And getting a Dr to help with getting me a diagnosis has taken me all this time. Anyway you inspire me tp keep going and maybe Ill finally get an answer and help I need. My life isnt where I want it because of health struggles but maybe it can get better?

  • @amyayars-evans4666
    @amyayars-evans46664 ай бұрын

    Finn!!!! My goodness. So much you deal with. 😢 I love you and adore you. My body aches all the time. I do have arthritis though. Phallo aged me 10 yrs, I feel like. I wonder if some of what we go thru is surgical trauma manifested in these conditions? It's a lot of trauma and not easy. I am so proud of the way you advocate for yourself!!! Keep loving Finn because I sure do. 😘

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Bless you buddy. I do think trauma has a lot to do with chronic illnesses. The nervous system gets knocked out of whack by stress and trauma which then makes the body much more susseptible to autoimmune/neurological conditions. It's a perfect storm really. All very good reasons why early support for trans folks is vital and prompt access to gender services is necessary! Waiting too long in life makes things much harder on us! We do our best with what we have eh! Much love to you you gorgeous soul!

  • @amyayars-evans4666

    @amyayars-evans4666

    4 ай бұрын

    @@FinnTheInfinncible Absolutely, I agree on delaying surgery. Puberty arrestment prevents, for those who identify-as us and with the intensity of our dysphoria- us from having to have at least one surgery top surgery. That's less anesthesia, less trauma to the body, less loss of work or wage and so on. Folks just do not understand how deeply into the threads of our lives this reaches

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    @@amyayars-evans4666 yes! We've just had puberty blocked stopped.in the uK, only for trans kids and this will have far reaching negative implications.

  • @miloraoof7654
    @miloraoof76544 ай бұрын

    I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Particularly with your condition it must be incredibly hard to push like this. I’m so glad that you believe that someone will help and keep your focus on this when you can. Sounds like it takes a while but their are doctors that are willing to help and resolve some of these things

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Hey Milo! Ive been trying to send you a message on facebook but it wont let me! I received your gift, you absolutely lovely man! The hoodie blanket is gorgeous! Its so super warm and snuggly, and the massage oil is perfect, such thoughtful gifts, thank you so very very much!

  • @miloraoof7654

    @miloraoof7654

    4 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you got it and can use it! Yes, my old Facebook account someone hacked so I had to create a new one.

  • @kikomartin-pr
    @kikomartin-pr4 ай бұрын

    So happy you finally saw a doctor that seems like he/she knew what they were doing. I hope your arms get better.

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks my friend! At last!!!!

  • @flowersstorms8863
    @flowersstorms88634 ай бұрын

    Hey brother, I'm so so glad you FINALLY saw a GP who *listened* and did something about it. And steroids are such a simple treatment - it's brilliant you're finally getting some relief from at least one set of symptoms. Yep, unfortunately for those of us with chronic illness masks seem to be another essential part of our armoury along with our meds & holistic treatments - Hubby & I have been able to avoid most colds/bugs and I've had no chest infection since starting to mask which has kept me out of A&E with asthma attacks. Hope the MRI gives you some more answers. Bodies are weird, and bodies with chronic illness are super especially weird! Sending lots of love as always xxx

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks lovely. I'm so relieved , to have an answer, and an understanding GP! The steroids have hit me hard , but I'm hoping I'll adjust in time. I do struggle to mask because of my breathlessness, but I'm putting up with it! Will update about MRI soon. Big love!

  • @miloraoof7654
    @miloraoof76544 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you have a strong partner and good friends and of course PiP

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks buddy!

  • @Tegdirb64
    @Tegdirb644 ай бұрын

    Watching your blogs in a strange order, I commented that I loved the you'd slipped and said polyamorous instead of polycyclic! Now I find out it was deliberate! Love it! Lots of ❤️ Bridget

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    3 ай бұрын

    Hey Bridget! Yep, I could not say Polymyalgia at all in the beginning so was just saying polyamorous 😅. My vlogs are all over the place at the moment!

  • @LadyAnnaBelle-007UK
    @LadyAnnaBelle-007UK4 ай бұрын

    New subscriber, absolutely love you and your channel, you are very evidently a beautiful person no matter what your gender, you stand proud, with your head up high!!!

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    What an absolutely lovely comment! Thank you so much and thank you for subscribing!

  • @superdrwholock
    @superdrwholock4 ай бұрын

    'The pain feels real but it isn't'? I don't get why they would say that, surely pain is the sensation? So if you are feeling it, it's real? Idk I could be being dumb lol, anyway I'm glad you've finally found out what was causing your arm pain Finn, I've never heard of this so you've taught me something new thank you. And I think your 'stubbornness' with these issues you face is very commendable actually, it's hard to keep fighting your corner but it's important for you to get the help you need and maybe it even helps others like you who can't fight their corner for whatever reason in the long run

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks my friend. Of course its real! The doctor was basically implying that it was all in my head and that I could think myself out of it, a very outdated and wrong idea about ME/CFS! Polymyalgia is one of those rare ones that few , including myself, have heard of. Its not an easy one to spot and diagnose unless you know what you are looking at so I am lucky I had a very knowledgable GP! Thank you so very much for your incredibly kind words!

  • @SundogUntamed
    @SundogUntamed4 ай бұрын

    hahaha "Polyamorous Arms" That's the laugh I needed today. Thanks Finn! Been following your channel for a few years and you are fantastic. I'm a private guy who's lived through so many of the same experiences and struggles, so thank you for sharing your story - it helps me to feel heard about mine too. Congrats on the better doc and answers! I just had the same experience over this last month too and am overjoyed for us both!

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    I have to stop telling people I have polyamourous arms, LM getting too many funny offers 🤣. Glad to give you a laugh! Thank you for your lovely comments. I'm so glad you've had a good experience with a GP recently too, it's such a rare occasion, and it feels like a lovely treat, and it really shouldn't should it!

  • @GrowingObsession
    @GrowingObsession4 ай бұрын

    god this is near word-for-word what happened with me. it took me 3 years of fighting with my gp before they would agree to refer me to a neurologist if it was "neuropathic pain". and the neurologist basically was like "you either have small fibre neuropathy or ME with abnormal symptoms". his idea was for treatmennt, if my current amitryptiline prescription didn't end up working, was to try homeopathic therapy!

  • @miloraoof7654
    @miloraoof76544 ай бұрын

    It would be interesting to find out the connections with MeCfs.

  • @Truerealism747

    @Truerealism747

    3 ай бұрын

    Highly comorbid to autism I have thus symptom they still say CFS

  • @Him_He_Me
    @Him_He_Me4 ай бұрын

    If you didnt have MECFS.... Would you still have the Poly arms?? Are they connected? Great that you are now getting answers which equals treatment!!! YAY!!!

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks my friend! No the ME and PMR are not linked you can have one and not the other. It could well be that my body having a damaged nervous system is more prone to conditions like PMR. I can't find any research though.

  • @irenes6627
    @irenes66274 ай бұрын

    Thats great you were eventually listened to but i also think we aren't well enough to have to fight for the correct care! I have Hashimoto's, ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, CPTSD and Sicca Syndrome.....great eh!. I do get bouts of severe burning, down my arms and legs along with certain fingers that lock and feel really cold/pins and needles....on 2 occasions i have had steroids for this severe pain. I know its not fibro pain as it feels inflamed etc. The steroids really help the pain but the side effects aren't great are they....I felt hyper and my sleep was terrible. The wonderful world of chronic illness that no one knows how to help or treat us Take good care both of you 😊

  • @TreyME25
    @TreyME252 ай бұрын

    Ive had same symptoms for years i thought it was my cfs it takes about 3 days to clear if i dont do much ive never gone to doc about it are there any other meds for it steriods swell me up like a balloon im also trans male and similar age to you our trans and health stories are also similar i love your videos its a relief to find someone like me

  • @wildgardens
    @wildgardens4 ай бұрын

    Urgh sorry you had to wait so long to get that diagnosis and be in such pain all that time, the gaslighting is infuriating isn't it! At least this is something treatable and will hopefully go into remission with the steroids. I was interested to hear if the steroids actually helped the ME/CFS but it doesn't sound like it. I developed ME/CFS and POTS after covid and have been housebound for almost 4 years now so I can empathise with your situation. Did you notice any worsening of your illnesses after covid or did you return back to your usual baseline after recovering? Im terrified of covid and getting reinfected so I always wear on a mask on the rare occasions I leave home which is only for medical appointments. Always enjoy your videos, its like a cosy chat with a friend and you are so good at expressing what its like to live with these illnesses. I hope you get more relief soon in both your polyamrous arms!

  • @Truerealism747
    @Truerealism7473 ай бұрын

    Ive got it chronic both shoulders armpits going down arms to at times still say its me cfs

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    2 ай бұрын

    Please insist on more investigations. t could be your ME, but they should still investigate to rule out Oher things too

  • @Truerealism747

    @Truerealism747

    2 ай бұрын

    @@FinnTheInfinncible I did go to rhumotology just hoping they checked for this thankyou

  • @SpectrumView
    @SpectrumView4 ай бұрын

    Hello. I thought I'd quickly suggest that if it's anything like me who has CFS Fibromyalgia etc... I believe it all starts with high stressors earlier on(for me ADHD + anxiety disorder..you: all the things you went through emotionally and drugs etc).. then later on a catalyst (possibly the testosterone) can kick it all into gear. I was 40. Started full workout Taekwon-Do AND stopped smoking at same time.. bad move. I watched your video on horrible ppl can be with all the transgender bit. I was pretty rigid myself.. very hard to 'make ends meet' with all that if yur Christian like I am. Yes sin is sin.. but love is greater. What changed my attitude was when a young trans boy -18.. came to work at my restaurant.. now I'm unfortunately old.. period lol. But didn't I see the most beautiful little thing come in that day. Heart like a little lamb! Knocked the proverbial wind of my sails big time. Since then I started learning about Trans people. I feel deep love for them (yes esp FTMz). I've adopted(spiritually) this little one since that's the only option I have. So far he senses something strange from me.. no doubt a first for him. I only wish I had someone to get advice from about him. I love his heart terribly and to protect this little lamb. BTW my uncle once brought my for a tour of Wales when I was in England. You would have been 10😉 Big hugs & love to you!! 🤗

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi my friend, yes I agree, I do believe that the years of stress, high anxiety, addiction, trauma, and the undiagnosed gender dysphoria, meant that my nervous system was essentially broken and I then was extremely susceptible to all the chronic illness I now have and it is likely perhaps an infection during my surgeries might have tipped me over the edge. I made a vlog about this a while back that you might find interesting: kzread.info/dash/bejne/am2fwa6IqLjAlaQ.html Its lovely to hear you have become an ally for trans folk, we are just like everyone else, making our way in the world, wanting to be accepted and loved for who we are and the hate towards us is so unnecessary and vile. The best way to learn more about trans folks, is from trans folks. Watch our videos, read trans memoirs (I have a book available!) and avoid all the fear mongering and lies that the far right try to spread about us. Thank you for your lovely comment. Massive love to you

  • @jackf8450
    @jackf84504 ай бұрын

    Hello been following your channel because we got diagnosed with mecfs at around the same time give or take a month, just my opinion maybe you have something else and the steroids are just acting as an anti-inflammatory which is reducing the symptoms. Honestly being on steroids long-terms not very good I was on them for 2 years and gained 40 kilos.

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi my friend. Sorry you have this awful condition too. ME is a nightmare to manage! Yep, steroids are not something I want of course. This is standard procedure and treatment for PMR though. And it's the way it's commonly diagnosed, they do other tests to rule out other things, which I've had/having done, but PMR is the one thing that rapidly responds in around 4 days after being on a dose of prednisolone and I've had the classic PMR response. Now what happens is a gradual tapering off steroids over time, which if done slowly enough, sends the PMR into remission Fingers crossed! Thanks for your concern!

  • @Truerealism747

    @Truerealism747

    3 ай бұрын

    I thought there was a test for pmr? As I went to rhumotology to rule these things out years ago?

  • @jenq436
    @jenq4364 ай бұрын

    Could the vaccine or covid played a part in your health issues. My son who is 23 developed heart issues.

  • @FinnTheInfinncible

    @FinnTheInfinncible

    4 ай бұрын

    No my health issues started way before covid

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