What are the early signs of gca

[granelliheywood]

I have had PMR for 2 years and am down to 4g of pred this week my left temple is affected by a very Slight pain now and again being that I am becoming hypo about this complaint advice please

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi granelliheywood,

Good to hear you are down to 4mg. However, once you get to low doses, the normal aches and pains of life reappear, and it's sometimes difficult to know whether it's just that or something more sinister. Trouble is, we always think it's the worst thing, I know - just been through a similar "wobble" have had some aches in the back of my head, and automatically thought the worst, but they're gone now, so I'm thinking why did you get in a panic!

Suggest if you haven't had an eye test done recently, or even if you have, ask for one, that should prove if it's because you need glasses, or new prescription.

Monitor your pain, and if it gets any worse, or you get other symptoms around your head/throat or any visual disturbances then back to GP, or Rheumy.

Could try increasing your Pred to see if pains go away, but you probably don't want to, and that's perfectly understandable.

What I'm saying really, is - be aware of it, and act if it gets worse, but don't become paranoid about it, just sensible.

Take care.

[granelliheywood in reply to DorsetLady]

Will do thanks for your time

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If it is very slight there probably isn't anything to worry about - as DL says lower pred equals a return of other aches and pains and most people describe GCA pain as like nothing they have ever experienced before!

But do get checked immediately if you have any visual symptoms, jaw pain when eating or start to feel unwell. There are other reasons for the pains - and the symptoms so it is important to get them looked at.

[lindyloy]

Hello, my early signs were, jaw ache on eating, sore scalp,lack of appetite, nausea, swollen arteries in my temples and flashing lights in my eyes, when I bent down a shade seemed to lower on one of my eyes and reduce my vision. I had no tendeerness in my swollen arteries which I understand doesn't always happen.