I had relief from my painful knees after upping my Prednisolone to 10mgs. just for three days, after five days the pain disappeared for a week, but now it has returned as bad as ever. I also do not feel too well, but don't know if this is due to continuous pain. My bloods I am told are normal, however, I can't help but feeling that this may be related to my GCA. Any ideas, comments please.
Tomasina x
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tomasina
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Having GCA or PMR doesn't excuse you from other problems and having localised pain like this does sound more like something else rather than the PMR aspect of GCA. Yes, PMR tends to be both sides - but you would be unlikely to have just that and no other stiffness. It could be bursitis but local cortisone injections would be a far better option than just upping your oral pred dose - both more effective and fewer side effects.
Has your GP done any other investigations besides bloods?
Following contact with the Rheumatology Helpline Nurse Practitioner regarding my knees, she said she would give me a cortisone injection into my knee. She aspirated fluid from the knee and then injected lignocaine followed by cortisone. The one knee was more painful and she said she would leave the other for now. This was last Tuesday and by Friday evening I was able to walk without discomfort. My knee feels a little strange, but I am now able to walk normally, if only for a short while. I am so relieved. For others who may need to have this performed I would like to say it is not too uncomfortable a procedure and well worth having done.
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