A year on Prednisolon

[HELLSmouth]

I was diagnosed with GCA over a year ago ,having had pains in my head for sometime befor that and one morning I woke up and noticed my vein in my temple had swollen . My GP started me on 60mg of prednisolone prior to the biopsy. my ESR was raised also. I tapered down over the year and was lucky not to put on any weight and stayed active. Ive been off steroids now for six weeks . The first two weeks I felt great but now feel dizzy and all my joints ache and so tired, Hope I feel my old self soon

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi HELLSmouth,

As an ex GCA patient, I would say that from 60mg to zero in about a year is a supersonic reduction!

You may be one of the very lucky ones, but most people's GCA is a lot longer lasting that that - mine for example was 5&half years. Average seems to be about 3-4years.

If you have got a return of joint aches, fatigue and dizziness I would guess that yours is still active, and therefore you need to be back on the Pred.

Suggest you discuss with GP and get your bloods tested again - they may not yet be raised, but if you have symptoms they will surely follow suit in due course.

Please let us know the outcome.

[jinasc]

I endorse everything DorsetLady has written.

In 10 years you are the first person whom I have come across who has gone from 60mg to zero in 1 year.

The shortest length of time I know of personally, is two years for two ladies and 18 months for someone who took part in a clinical trial.

I would get checked out fast. Remember you sight and that is precious.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

PS. Forgot to say if you have any sight irregularities then straight to Emergency!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Really nothing to add to what's been said - you may not have full-blown GCA but you could have a PMR component to your GCA and it is now showing up.

[BonnyQuine]

From a fellow GCA sufferer.

Reducing Pred, at lower doses, one may encounter the problem of adrenal insufficiency. This would include cortisol deficiency.

Not sure if this is relevant but came across it the other day: (fr hormonebalance.org, ref adrenal fatigue).

Symptoms of cortisol deficiency include:

fatigue, especially in the afternoon

stress

sugar / salt cravings

allergies, asthma, sinusitis

chemical sensitivity (perfume, detergents etc)

aches, pains (especially neck and back)

muscle stiffness, joint pain, arthritis

hives, itching, skin sensitivity, reaction to bug bites, acne

weak immune system, repeated infections, pneumonia

autoimmune diseases, thyroiditis, Crohn's disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease

low blood pressure, low fluid volume (dehydrate easily).

I'm no expert and this is NOT authoritative, but it seems that rather a wide range of symptoms might be due to the adrenals not fully functioning yet. Might it be worth checking that out?

Best wishes.