Grace’s problem

[Graziella]

About a month ago I went to my rheumatologist as the pain in my arms and neck was preventing to sleep. Immediately she put me on Methylpred 4mgpak for a week and immediately I was freed of the pains for that week and the following week. Then the pains started again and so did the headaches that I has for at least three years. The doctor took my blood and realized I was suffering from both PMR and GCA. I am now on 15mg of Prednisone daily. My problem is that I have glaucoma and already lost the sight in my right eye. My greatest fear now is to lose also the other eye which frightens me to death. I am 91 years old and I live alone, with no family at all. Blindness is the worst thing that could happen to me. I hope someone will respond and let me know how GCA affected the eye with glaucoma.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Graziella,

Hi and welcome.

Are you sure you have GCA and PMR, the starting dose of 15mg is usually for PMR only.

Some people do find that Pred does increase the pressures in their eyes and therefore lead to glaucoma, but it can be managed. Would suggest that, if you don’t already, then you need to come under the care of the eye department so that you can be monitored on a regular basis.

My pressures were slightly raised during my time on Pred but fortunately never high enough to warrant treatment.

Take care.

[CT-5012]

Hi Graciela I had glaucoma for two years before I started with PMR/GCA my pressures did go up after about a year of Pred but the eye drops were changed and the pressures were back to normal after three months. If you are not under the care of the eye department maybe you should ask your GP to refer you. All good wishes.

[HeronNS]

I am pretty sure that if your eye pressure is affected by pred your current eye prescription could be adjusted. Please see your eye doctor as soon as possible so you can set your mind at ease.

[SheffieldJane]

Hello Graciela and welcome to the site. Please stick with us, there is a wealth of information and kind helpful people here. I agree with the others that you should seek a referral to the eye hospital to ensure that you are safeguarding your eyesight. Like DorsetLady I am wondering whether you do have GCA as well as PMR? The Rheumatologist has put you on a PMR dose. Apart from headaches, GCA sufferers often experience pain when chewing. I would want to be completely clear with my Rheumatologist that I was being treated for Giant Cell Arteritis as well.

I am glad that your symptoms have been eased by the Methylpred. It does sound like you need a couple more consultations to put your mind at ease, one with your Rheumatologist and one with an Opthalmologist. Take care! Best wishes Jane.

[MaryA_]

Hi Grace, I have glaucoma and as you it was my biggest fear with this PMR. I contacted eye doctor and now have regular appointments to keep track of the pressure in eyes. We have had to adjust eye meds( drops)a couple of times in the last few months , but am better in that department now.

Try not to worry , it doesn’t help our PMR. Maryanne

[Graziella]

My rheumatologist already spoke to my eye doctor and I will see him this week. Thank you for your advice.

[Ronnie101]

Hi Graziella, don't worry too much - my pressures went up on pred (much higher dose that yours) but were brought right down by the eye drops (TIMILOL) I was given. I'm sure your eye consultant will be able to sort this.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the suspicion is that you have gCA as well as PMR then you really need to be under the care of a specialist and to be on a considerably higher dose of pred than 15mg. If you have glaucoma I assume you have an eye specialist too? I would contact them immediately - they are often very good about caring for GCA too.

[Graziella]

I have been in the hands of eye specialists for many years and I have been using a lot of drops to lower that pressure in my left eye. Unfortunately it is always quite a battle. I just talked to my eye doctor and he told me that the prednisone taken by mouth will not affect the pressure in the good eye. I will see him soon and then we shall see.

[HeronNS in reply to Graziella]

I hate to tell you this but although it's not one of the most common side effects oral prednisone can affect eye pressure. Mine was affected and returned to my normal (which is a high normal) at about 4 or 5 mg level. So you really should be monitored frequently, at least at the beginning, to make sure your eye pressure is not affected.

[Graziella]

Thank you for warning me.