What Causes Jaw And Hip Pain When Diagnosed With Dermatomyositis?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am currently being treated for Dermatomyositis and take 300 mg Plaquenil 35 mg prednisone and 20 mg methotreaxte.
Lab work over the last 4 months shows increasing platelets and Wbc with high neutrophils. Currently platelets 389, WBC 14.1 Neutrophils 11.1 with immature granulocytes 0.1.
Newest symptoms are bad jaw and hip joint pain. Continuous overheating and sweating with night sweats.
Could this be caused by my meds or should i be concerned about CML?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
prednisone can cause some of this

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Prednisone can cause the elevated white blood counts and elevated platelets. The overheating and night sweats are not likely caused by your medications. You will need physical exam along with blood tests and urine tests to look for infection. You will also need your thyroid checked.
I would not jump to CML. There are many other conditions that may cause your findings and symptoms.
It would be best if you saw your doctor soon for an exam and some testing.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 minutes later)

Hi thyroid function is fine. No infection as i do not have fever. Also have noticed abdominal bloating nelow ribs and pains both left and right side

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
prednisone can also mask fever

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
I am glad you have had your thyroid checked, make sure you had a free T4 checked and not just a TSH .
I would still be concerned about infection. Prednisone is a major anti-inflammatory medication and can mask a fever.
There are a number of other autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis that may occur in patients with dermatomyositis and these may also result in pain and heat intolerance.
In addition, Porphyria is a condition that may cause abdominal pain and heat intolerance, though it is quite rare.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (6 hours later)

i have been tested for ANA and RA factor...both negative. i am awaiting results for H pylori.i have also tested negative for all auto antibodiea for DM but we are treating based on symptoms

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
that is good

Detailed Answer:
It sounds like your doctors are doing a good job of taking care of you. If they begin to suspect CML as you mentioned initially, they may need to do a bone marrow biopsy but I do not suspect that based upon what you have told me so far. I am sure that your doctors will continue to follow your blood counts. I am sorry that you are having these symptoms and hope you get some clear answers soon.
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar