Well, I'm "pleased" to report that the problem wisdom tooth was actually taken out yesterday. I say "pleased" very wryly because it definitely wasn't a very pleasing experience but at least that's hopefully one thing less to deal with. I took the hospital's advice and didn't increase my Pred on the morning of the extraction - and as PRMpro advised, at 40mg per day, I had "plenty sloshing around"😉 So, here I am, currently with pain just as bad as before but I knew to expect this so I'll continued with the painkillers until it eases.
My other reason for writing this post is because I had a very interesting and encouraging conversation with another lady in the waiting room. It turned out that she had been diagnosed about 7 years ago with GCA. Unfortunately it took about 8 months to get a diagnosis and even then it was only because she researched the subject herself and saw a rheumatologist privately. She was prescribed 60mg Pred and had very similar side effects as me, very spaced out in the head, wobbly on the feet and ringing in on ear - but she really impressed on me that it did eventually get better and, after 4 years of reducing, she was able to stop completely and has had no problems since. She was so very encouraging - and at a time when I really needed it - so I decided to pass on my experience in case it was of some help to someone else. I'm not normally "fanciful" but it was almost as if we were meant to meet at that particular time. As an aside, she also said that I was the first other person with GCA she'd met in all the time since she had recovered - just highlights how few people know of the condition!
Anyway, tomorrow I see the rheumatologist again for a check-up - all I'll say is, watch this space. And thank you so much again for all the support the members here have given me over the last few days - it means a lot
Jan
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Janann25
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Hi Jan, well clearly she was an angel sent to give you a hand, fanciful or not they are everywhere. You're a brave girl, those teeth are deeply rooted. Convalescing for a goodly while now!!! 🌺
Yes, I'm definitely going to have to take it easy for a while - I actually feel worse this morning than yesterday evening. VERY wobbly!! Hopefully it's just the reaction to the stress of yesterday.
Yes some things seem very 'fateful'. I passed a lovely garden walking around a small nearby country town and told the woman who was watering how delightful it looked. We got chatting and turned out she had also had GCA - diagnosed a couple of years earlier and was still on Pred. I had then just been diagnosed with PMR - and only later with (suspected) GCA. Her experiences certainly made me feel less isolated if more cautious. Given the relative 'rarity' of both PMR & GCA and the smallish population of the rural town I met her in - I thought this - especially in retrospect - something more than coincidental - and I am not prone to 'flights of fancy' (well usually not !!).
Hi Janann25. Glad your tooth has gone! Will be interested to hear how your recovery goes. I am having difficult tooth extraction next week, nine days before I go on cruise. I am hoping I don't have any problems with healing. This would ironic since I am having it out to avoid anotherinfected abscess occurring whilst on holiday. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.
Oh how I envy you your cruise! The thought of that will definitely help you with your recovery. For myself, I've been invited to stay with friends in Florida at the end of October so that's giving me something to aim for. I shall be thinking of you next week - what day are you having it done?
Thursday. URGH!!!!!! Normally I am ok as I have the maximum numbing injections I can have. Give me the drugs I say.... As many as you can legally!!!! Fortunately the injections don't bother me ......but dentist said it will be a difficult extraction! Really? Too much information methinks! However have had five abscesses in as many weeks, so no choice really.
I think I am anxious because all round the surgery are posters re informing them if you are on steroids, and they have told me I might be more prone to infection afterwards during healing period. Plus I have had problems with a crumbling jaw bone in the past that had to be filed down as long sharp bits of bone were protruding through gums and cutting my tongue! No probs now but history to deal with psychologically!!!!
Mainly though I want the problem 'exorcised' in prep for hols when I may be lucky to have lunch with the dashing captain in uniform perhaps????? May need to 'ditch' hubby for a few hours though!!!!!
Love your attitude Marilyn1959 - long may it continue! And so pleased Janann25 that the extraction went well- one more thing off the list! I don't believe in coincidences so feel you were meant to meet this lady and receive encouragement from her. I personally don't feel this is fanciful but then that's me! Best wishes for your recovery from this. Jackie xx
Like you Jannan25, I also had a molar out yesterday - at the hospital. My dentist chickened out due to my Pred and previous AA. However, they asked me to double my Pred for the day (to 8mg), hope that doesn't cause any upset! I've another to go once the first hole has healed, not fun eating on one side of the mouth is it? Best wishes with your healing.
Totally agree about eating on one side - but it still hasn't stopped me eating!!! I seem to be healing OK - fingers crossed - so I hope you'll be the same. Nothing's simple with this illness is it?
I had to have a wisdom tooth removed when I lived in Spain, (pre- PMR). All dentists are private there. My dentist sent me to a dental surgeon for this, he was brilliant. He gave me an injection, which was painless, then cut the tooth into 4 pieces and removed them. No stitches needed. He spoke no English and relied on his assistant to translate for him. They both wore matching Hawaiian shirts and played music in the surgery. If I remember correctly it cost about €150. No problems afterwards either.
What????? My wisdom tooth extraction took about 15 mins and cost 50 euros. I was terrified - he wasn't - but his practice is opposite the hospital which I felt was quite adequate. The ceramic inlay the following year cost rather more though!
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