Advice please

[HighlandCat]

Hi, I am looking for a bit of advice. I have had PMR for just over a year and have succesplease sfully reduces prednisolone to 7mg. Over the last week or so I have been feeling absolutely exhausted and yuck but difficult to put my finger on what exactly is wrong. I have had a sore neck and now I have developed a slight bump on both my temples. I am concerned this may be GCA. I have an appointment on Monday with GP anyway but not sure if I should bring it forward. Many Thanks Cat 😊

[GOOD_GRIEF]

Anytime your body is doing something new and interesting and you don't like it, you should consult a medical expert.

[SheffieldJane]

I feel pretty awful too at your level of Pred and I am putting it down to my own Adrenal Glands having to start working. I feel utterly exhausted with headaches. However, I have read that the enlarged temporal artery can be visible in some patients who develop GCA. It would be very unusual to have swelling on both sides of the head I think.

Do go to the doctor though, as a matter of potential urgency.

Old pains can return on lower doses of Pred having been masked. Does your neck pain fall into that category. Mine does, it's Cervical Spondylosis. Let us know what happens. Good luck!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Cat,

Initial reaction would be to say adrenal glands slow to start working - and the o oh thing for that is slowly reducing and patience! But please get your neck and temples checked.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would think it is more likely that either you have reduced to slightly too low a dose or that you have reached the level where your adrenal glands have to start to produce some cortisol to top up the level of pred.

But an audience with your GP sounds called for - either way.

[HighlandCat]

Many thanks for all your replies. I have taken today off work and will see if my GP will sign me off for a couple of weeks to see if having a break will help with how I feel. After I ask her to check out my neck and temples though. Thanks again.

Cat