I'm new here but was diagnosed with PMR in May 2017 when I was 50. Once diagnosed I started on 20mg prednisolone reducing to 15 and 12.5 over the next 4 weeks. This had an amazing effect on my symptoms (shoulders, hips and lower back) and gave much relief. I have been reducing 1mg a month since then and all has been going very well with just minor bearable aches/pains. However, about 2 weeks ago I was down to 3 mg and pleased I was now on a lower risk dose heading in the right direction when I started getting my old symptoms back. I initially went back up to 4mg as the consultant had advised I should, but my symptoms were not improving. I was also getting a tightness in my jaw and a headache (though not at my temples). I saw my GP who confirmed my CRP level was raised and agreed to just raise my doseage a little more to 5mg at this stage. This has helped, but not sure if I should still be concerned about GCA? I did have these exact symptoms before and the consultant ruled out GCA saying my headache would be far more severe and across my temples rather than the back of my head. i did have a tender scalp though.
Sorry for the lengthy summary but was hoping some of you guys may recognise these symptoms and what actions you took, especially regarding GCA. Is the headache much worse with GCA? Is this just a relapse and to be expected?
I've not experienced any vision issues, but I'm paranoid that each twich or pain around my eyes is not a good sign.
I'm glad I've found this forum, it's good to know that there's others out there who understand what PMR is all about.
Thanks for listening.