I'm new here and would love some advice.

[MelHammond]

I'm a 52 year old female. I was diagnosed with PMR 2 months ago and started on 15mg of pred which was increased to 20 mg a week later as although the initial dose was miraculous it did not fully ease the symptoms which the increased dose did. However since then i have suffered with excessive head sweats which I know is a side effect of pred. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to cope with this particularly in social situations. At home I can easily dress down and pin my hair up. At work I have a fan constantly blowing on my face, but on occasions need to dress appropriately etc and need help. I am hoping to start reducing in a couple of weeks. Thanks in advance.

[SheffieldJane]

I am 10 years older than you, so I kid myself that I look 10 years younger getting hot and bothered ( menopausal). Even my own closest family don't seem to notice as much as I think it shows. Seriously though if you fill a sink with cold water and put your arms in it for a couple of minutes it seems to cool the blood down. Obviously natural fabrics like cotton are better.

It will go as mysteriously as it came. A few months in and it only happens to me if I rush, panic or someone is stressing me out. It's an interesting barometer of how I'm really feeling. Honest like blushing.

[polkadotcom]

Ooh, I remember those horrendous head-sweats so well! Not to mention the whole-body sweats which turned me into a small puddle on the floor. And I do find I suffer still with them if the humidity goes into sweat-mode.

There isn't any one thing which I can say really relieved it. As Jane says, cold water on the pulse-points helps temporarily, as do wet-wipes kept in the fridge. I gave up make-up because it just dissolved into wet streaks down my face. (and if you have a fan blowing constantly into your face, don't forget the extra moisturiser - I had a very dry, sore face before I realised what was happening).

Can't really help on the work front as the office I worked in was small enough that I could explain matters to all, and I was lucky enough to have the best supportive and concerned work-mates that anyone would wish for.

[piglette]

I felt I was in a warm shower when I first started pred, it is a horrible side effect. My rheumie just laughed when he informed me it was the pred! I have never really found anything that relieves it adequately although a fan helped and sticking my head in the freezer compartment, but that is a bit limiting particularly if you are at a social gathering!

[MelHammond]

Thank you for your replies. The freezer suggestion raised a chuckle. However the mystery of my dry lips has been resolved, the fan drying them out, who knew!

[Terri-D]

I am 53 and have suspected GCA , having all the tests now. My consultant thinks I am a bit too young for this but have all the symptoms. At present the headache is constant and severe and I have the steroids ready to take when results of tests are final. I cat take them straight away because I have other health problems. How did u get on with your first consultation to diagnosis?

[MelHammond in reply to Terri-D]

Hi Terri-D, my GP put me on steroids following my blood tests, they worked within hours to relieve the pain and stiffness I was experiencing. I have not shown any symptoms of GCA, for which I am thankful. I hope that you get your results soon and are able to receive the appropriate treatment for your condition soon.