Question?

[Rowboat]

I am having drenching night sweats. Is it because my GCA/TA inflammation is still uncontrolled or is it the 65mg of pred I am on?

[SheffieldJane]

I think this

distressing symptom is to be found in both the conditions and Prednisalone. I guess the main culprit is high dose Pred. I am now only troubled by temple and scalp swears after exertion. I found a fan blowing across me during the night to be a real comfort. The old remedy of emersing my hands and arms in a sink of cold water cooled my blood. Also wearing natural fabrics like cotton. Docs may have something else by now. It is reminiscent of the Menopause . This too shall pass.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't necessarily because the symptoms are uncontrolled but it could be either the GCA or the pred. It is a side effect of pred. and an expression of the GCA.

The pred only manages the inflammation being caused by the underlying autoimmune disorder - it does nothing to the actual disease process. That chugs away in the background while the pred mops up the daily dollop of inflammation being caused by it so that the arteries it is affecting are not swollen and narrowed to interfere with the blood flow to the optic nerve in particular.

One lady with GCA found sage extract as used for menopausal flushes helped some. Others have slept on a thick towel or used a fan in the bedroom.

[Margaret1951]

My friend got me ( don't laugh ) one of those dogs cooling mats. It sure helps believe it or not as you just lay on it in bed or sit on top of it on a chair.

I think it cost £6 but can't remember, well worth the money and it helps my restless leg I have as it cools the sciatica nerve and stops my leg jumping

Good luck

[ali5son in reply to Margaret1951]

Got the JML cooling pillow. My sister also picked up the dog cool pad for her bed and loves it.

[Margaret1951 in reply to ali5son]

Great !! Would be lost without mine now , if it gets warm again just put it on top of bed for 5 mins and soon goes cool again.