Pred. Dosage when flaring

[tazzi]

Hi everyone just looking for some advice; TA diagnosed in nov.15 started on 60mg pred.now down to 8mg.However today have severe stabbing pain just below right ear so upped doze this morning to 10mg but it hasn't touched the pain.What dosage do you think I should try and for how long? haven't really had a flare till now so a bit bamboozled.Thanks for your help. taz.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is this like your GCA was originally? It's not our place to recommend a dose in this sort of situation but I think you would need a lot more than a 2mg increase. It would be helpful if you could speak to your doctor - where are you? Too late in Europe except for the emergency cover but if you are in the US you'd be able to speak to someone. And in the UK - call 111 and ask to speak to an out of hours doctor for advice.

[tazzi in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you pmrpro, yes I had this symptom prior to the headache, jaw pain and swollen temporal arteries and feeling a bit fed up that having at last reached 8mg that this pain should return. I am in Edinburgh and will perhaps go to 12mg tomorrow and try to speak to the doctor on Monday, although on hi own admission I know more about this illness than he does.!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tazzi]

If the symptoms get worse do please call OOH - there is a rheumatologist at the end of a phone to advise A&E even at the weekend.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi tazzi,

From personal experience of GCA, it doesn’t sound a typical symptom, unless as PMRpro says, it is to you. Would be inclined to think it’s something else, but you do need to get it checked.

Please let us know the outcome.

[tazzi in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset Lady but I did have this symptom prior to diagnosis&,will up pred to 12mg tomorrow and take it from there. Its just so disheartening to get to 8mg after almost 2 years & for this to return.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tazzi]

Hi,

Okay, that probably answers it then. Yes it is disheartening, but around 8mg or thereabouts can be quite tricky. Adrenals glands coming into play, and maybe you just got to “your” level for the time being.

Hopefully you can get back on track, and then go on without further problems. But no rush, it took me 4&half years, so you’re okay. It takes as long as it takes!

[Oldman-1]

Tazzi, certainly have it checked by a consultant sooner rather than later. GP`s are just that, General Practitioners not specialists. Be persistent, ask and keep asking for a meet with a consultant.