GCA

[tazzi]

hi, this is my first post since being diagnosed in Nov.15 and just want to thank everyone for helping me understand and know how to handle this horrible disease.Without this forum I would be completely in the dark. So thanks again all.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi tazzi,

Welcome. I think we all felt like you at the beginning, I know I certainly did!

It's very reassuring to know that other people have been through what you're going through, and can completely relate to that without judging, or belittling how you feel.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hello tazzi, and welcome from me, too. In case you aren't already aware, there is an excellent book called 'Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide' written by Kate Gilbert, a past sufferer of PMR and past-Chair of PMRGCAuk. It is available either direct from the Charity, pmrgcauk.com or from Amazon, with all royalties from the sale being donated to the Charity. An excellent read, especially for those newly diagnosed. Keep in touch now that you've found us, and all good wishes for a smooth journey to recovery.

[lillegirl]

Hi Tazzi, like you I'm (reasonably) new to this, I certainly would not have had a clue as to how to help myself if it hadn't been for this forum, good luck and keep reading!

[katpat]

Tazzi, I completely agree with you. This forum has been so helpful to me. I should post my complete history should something be helpful to someone. I started by reading Kate Gilbert's book recommended to you in this forum. I gave my GP a copy and she was very appreciative. I was diagnosed in August 2014 with PMR and December 2014 with GCA. I did have a positive TAB and started on 60 mg Prednisone at that time. I am down to 9mg. Methotrexate did not control my inflammation and I started low dose Cytoxan orally in November. I have osteoporosis so that is reason for the push to get me off Prednisone. Hope this tidbit helps. I will follow you and feel free to message me anytime. Are you in the US? I am female, age 64, retired Registered Nurse in US.

[tazzi]

Thank you for your kind replies to my first post,I really feel that I am welcome to this exclusive group of friends and look forward to reading all your experiences. I'm female aged 62,diagnosed end Nov.2015 with GCA started on 60mg pred.Adcal & omiprozole.Still waiting on TAB since seeing reumy on 18Dec. but from your posts I realise that it will probably be negative(being on high dose pred for nearly 8 weeks).Down to 30mg pred now and told to reduce to 20mg in 2 weeks but thinking of reducing on a slower basis as learned from this forum.