GCA FLARE: This past week, I am experiencing... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,030 members39,699 posts

GCA FLARE

Joyful13 profile image
4 Replies

This past week, I am experiencing another GCA flare. I was taking 11mg of Prednisone when I began having severe headaches and pressure in my head. I was visiting with old high school friends in Bend, OR at a dear friend's home. I had to leave a day early as the headaches were so severe. I am now taking Prednisone 30mg, per rheumatologist, the past few days.

This morning, I am having pain around my Right eye, cheek, and right jaw. When I press on the sinus below my right eye, it is tender. Have any of you with GCA experienced these kind of symptoms?

I am so exhausted as sleeping poorly with increase of Prednisone.

My ESR and CRP have been elevated the past few months prior to these GCA symptoms. This is a challenging illness to say the least. Any input, encouragement is greatly appreciated.

Hang in there all you warriors. .For now, I will try to get some more sleep. Thanks for listening,

Written by
Joyful13 profile image
Joyful13
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
4 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

30mg is a very low dose for GCA - can you get hold of your rheumy and ask if it is OK to go higher?

You need a high enough dose to get the ESR/CRP down to normal range first and only then can you try to reduce. And if your markers are meaningful for you (they aren't for everyone) then they need to be checked regularly.

If you develop any visual symptoms do please go to the ER if you can't speak to your rheumy. If that happens you definitely need more pred.

Joyful13 profile image
Joyful13 in reply to PMRpro

Thanks PMRpro. No visual changes at this point. I will contact rheumatologist this week regarding Prednisone dose.

lesley2015 profile image
lesley2015

Hi Joyful

Yes, when my GCA has flared, it is generally more one side than the other and the whole eye socket hurts, cheek, teeth and of course my temple. I cannot even sleep on my left side.

PMRPro is quite correct, you need to be on sufficient Preds to control the inflammation, then start the reduction process again - your sight is the most important thing to protect.

I hope you have managed some sleep.

Best wishes

Joyful13 profile image
Joyful13 in reply to lesley2015

Thanks for sharing your experience lesley. This pain comes and goes. Yes, I am very aware to get help if I have vision changes. I will also get my labs checked again this week. My rheumatologist is gone until July 26, so I am talking with one of her colleagues. I am going to take a nap now.

Hope you are doing well

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

GCA questions

Have been experiencing headaches for the past few days (but no other symptoms) and am wondering if...

Symptoms of a GCA Flare?

I Having been diagnosed with GCA. 2 1/2 years ago I am now down to 2 mg of Prednisone and have been...

First Post on PMR/GCA

Hi! I live in California, and just started reading this forum several days ago. I was origiinallly...

GCA FLAREUP

I recently started a flare up with GCA. I have been off the Actemra of which I had monthly IV...

GCA Heart Issues

Hi, I was hospitalized with severe pain on my right side temporal artery and diagnosed with GCA. I...