Pins and needles down left side of face. Next day watery left eye.

[tomasina]

Diagnosed with GCA three years ago. Now down to 5mgs. Prednisolone per day. Bloods normal. Taking Aspirin, Ad.cal, Alendronic Acid, Omeprazol and Bisprolol. Any ideas.

[Hidden]

Hi tomasina,

I think you should see your GP asap. These symptoms may be related to GCA. If you cannot get a prompt appointment, then go to your nearest A&E.

No one diagnosed with GCA can ever afford to take chances and it's better to act and be on the safe side than risk what might be a flare in this illness.

I hope that all will be OK. You have done so well.

All the best,

Pats.

[paddyfields]

I would be inclined to double check whether you should be on Adcal as well as Alendronic Acid.

[Marybach]

Hiya Tomasina. Well I was diagnosed with GCA last Oct. I was put on 60mg preds which worked pretty quickly to relieve my symptoms. When I was discharged I was put on other drugs the same as you except I don't take Bisprolol and Ad Cal. I reduced to 40mg in Dec. From Feb 1st I am on 30mg and my rheumy told me I can reduce to 20mg by March 1st. Then see how I am and maybe be able to reduce further. Although my GCA symptoms are still controlled and bloods are normal the side effects of preds are a little troublesome. I get very breathless and I have moonface and weight gain generally. Wobbly legs and I fall quite easily. I get cramp in my feet and a slightly numb feeling especially in my left foot. I get watery eyes too. I am pretty upbeat most of the time but get some days when I could just sit down, hide away and cry. I am hoping that as I reduce more these symptoms will also reduce. I think we both need to have a long chat with our GP's Tomasina. Don't know what they can do but it's worth a try. My GP is a very good listener thank goodness so I'm sure he will help all he can. Hope yours is the same. I have a long way to go to be on the same page as you though. So good luck to us and all other friends in the forum.

Love

Mary xx

[Jane1175]

Hi . Ive got gca, went on 60 mg prendisolone in october now on 40mg , did go down to 35 but esr went up and got pain in jaw so had to go up. I get a funny sensation in the right side of my face, like someone is injecting cold water in or sometimes it feels like I've been to the dentist and the numbness is wearing off, mentioned it to my rhymatologist and she said it wasnt gca. I also get wobbly legs and bad cramp, I get very breathless and have gone up 4sizes in clothes, I have the moon face and buffalow humps. . It does help to know I'm not alone in this, I will be glad when I'm off the steroids. All the best to you all.xx