Sharing...

[PMR2011]

In my continual pursuit to educate myself I have bumped into some good resources. Hope they might help others too, so sharing.

This is a lengthy but thorough article on GCA. You’ll note that many of the studies shared on PMRGCAuk are cited.

urldefense.proofpoint.com/v...

This is a document that might assist when advocating for oneself with docs:

lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/De...

On another note, I made the decision today to start Actemra. After 3 flares and unable to get below 20mg Pred I decided it was time. Hoping it’s a new chapter on this PMR/GCA journey that has lasted 7 years for me so far.

[enan-illuc]

PMR2011,

Thank you for the resources. I have used Actemra since June of 2017 and have had no problem. It has helped me taper the Prednisone very slowly without a major Flare (so far). I give myself the shot and it has not been a problem. My Rheumy said Actemra is not a substitute for Prednisone but makes tapering easier and in my limited experience it does. Good luck with your "new chapter" of treatment.

Enan

[PMR2011 in reply to enan-illuc]

Thanks much enan. It definitely helps to hear others experiences. Appreciate the words of support.

[MaryA_]

Thank you for the articles PMR 2011. I certainly will read them tomorrow while under going fasting glucose testing.

[Insight329]

PMR2011, that article was incredibly informative. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Best wishes on your Actemra journey. I sincerely hope it helps your tapering. Please share your experiences with us. Best wishes.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is an excellent summary - and what a shame more doctors don't appear to have read it! However - it is from 2007, a lot has happened in the last 10 years!

[PMR2011 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes PMRpro, as for disease management definitely need newer resources. My husband smiles when I print off another article to add to my ever growing pile. He knows I come from a family of engineers, (tho somehow I ended up a nurse) we are “problem solvers”, and it is my way of working through it.

[micheleinnaples]

I printed the first document...it looks quite thorough. I wasn't able to open the second one. Many thanks for keeping us up to date. I have a very important Dr. appointment tomorrow and this information will be a great resource.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to micheleinnaples]

Yes - meant to say, the second doesn't open...

[Jackoh]

Yes always good to educate yourself. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to open either but then that possibly is me. Will have a go again with first one.