After hearing about this meeting in Ilkley and chatting a little with Rugger on message, thought about coming up by train from Stevenage - I live in Hertfordshire. My daughter said it is the steroids driving me to think of doing this!! I am used to travelling long distances by car and would have loved to link up with you but probably not this time.
Not sure this is the place to ask but I will. I have been on15mg Pred since late diagnosis of PMR (CPR) on October 14 2017. CPR was first 75, then 24. Level went down to under 5 and my GP reduced Pred dose to 13mg. November 28. I have some wonderful mornings and enjoy what I do but I also suddenly can hardly keep my eyes open. I have read the 'spoons' pacing story and found it helpful. My eyes just feel so odd, but no headaches. Remember this awful exhaustion as a student nurse in the 60's when seemed I could walk the hospital corridors with my eyes closed!
My GP seems very used to dealing with PMR and confident, but has not suggested a Rheumatologist. My mother had PMR after my father died suddenly and I took her to one back then 1981.
Is it the PMR or/and the steroids making me so spaced out? Any thoughts from those reading this very welcome. Thanks.
You'd be better starting a new thread - just because more people will see it and reply rather than this being a "wrong" place. This is a very strange forum layout for notifications!!
It could be either. PMR is an autoimmune disorder and a/i disorders commonly come with "brain fog". Pred can also cause "brain fog". And of course you may be having a double whammy!
If your GP is getting it right and you are happy - why risk a difficult rheumy? If it morphs to GCA or you run into problems then maybe it is worth it. I've managed to escape a "real" rheumy referral since the very first in the UK who didn't think it was PMR. Everone I've seen since agrees it is - despite the length of time it has lasted. I'm actually about to meet one of the top people in the world who helped draw up the Recommendations and who co-authored a textbook a year or so ago. I hope I don't regret it!!!! It was my request...
I think travelling from Hertfordshire to Yorkshire is above and beyond.....! And we have snow forecast, so a few of us locals might not make it, although it would be lovely to meet you. Maybe plan a trip oop North in better weather? Have a look on the PMRGCAuk charity website to see where your nearest group is.
I think the 'Deathly Fatigue' is a symptom of PMR, rather than the steroids, but others may add more.
I believe a GP is considered able to treat 'uncomplicated' PMR. A Rheumatology referral is definitely recommended for GCA.
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