Neck, ears, jaw and ...

[granny-b]

Hi friends,

Suffering from general head malaise in the temples, above eyebrows and back neck. Then started to have ear aches. When not aching my ears have a sort of muffled background. Then came the jaw ache.

Does anyone recognise this as anything more serious than an ear infection? eg GCA relapse?

I have confirmed GCA since 2015 (luckily no eye symptoms then or now). I am coming off steroids, down to 7mg.

My bloods were ok 2+ weeks ago, they usually go up if I am 'troubled'.

Would be grateful for any response - even if it is to tell me to stop moaning...

[jinasc]

Reads to me that the GCA is 'flare' so either call your Rheumatologist and tell him what is going on or get in touch with GP - tomorrow - do not wait at all and if you have problems seeing either then off to A&E.

Better be safe than sorry.

If it was me, I would have increased the pred to 10mg at the least.

Never rely on your ESR or CRP, symptoms over ride markers every time.

[SheffieldJane]

It sounds like your GCA is acting up. You may have done a taper too far. I’d want to see my doctor and raise my dose to the last dose I felt comfortable at and wait there until everything settled down. It sounds very unpleasant. It’s the jaw joining in that makes it sound like more than an ear infection.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If it were me I'd be checking with my doctor. Just in case because all COULD be GCA - it may not be, but could be.

Is the jaw pain when chewing? And goes when you stop?

[Jackoh]

I had a similar thing to this about 4 weeks ago. Had had a bad cold virus and then developed ear ache, some jaw ache( although needed root canal work) so all my symptoms a bit mixed up really. Did go to GP who confirmed that I hadn't got ear infection so I contacted my Rheumy and went up on the steroids. I've never had these two symptoms before with my GCA but think it was a minor flare. I went up by 2 mg and have been there for about 4 weeks and I'm now slowly trying to come down again! Think I'm here for the long haul. Do go to your doctor and get ears looked at or if gets much worse as others have said consult your Rheumy, any eye problems straight to A&E. Don't leave it . Let us know how you get on.

[granny-b]

Thanks everyone for advice.

I have made an appointment with dentist and doctors.

You know that all these things happen at a weekend..! I didn't want to go into GCA overdrive but I know my rheumatologist will help if neither doctor or dentist have an answer.

I'll be up to hospital with any eye trouble.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to granny-b]

Good..hope it’s not necessary.

[granny-b]

Update. Been to the dentist, got a cancellation. He thinks all the problems are tooth related and has sorted it. BUT I have a docs appointment on Thursday to have my ears checked anyway, never had problems with those before.

Hopefully I will know by then if tooth really was the problem.

Thanks to everyone who gave support when I had the weekend wobbles. X

[granny-b]

Update 2. Still have earache and discomfort on the right temple, ear and jaw so went to see nurse practitioner. Another lovely NHS person.

She can't see any problem with my ear. It could be recovering from dentist so to carry on with paracetamol for a while. If it doesn't help or go away pretty soon to get straight back. If it gets worse in any way (low tolerance were her words) access whatever I need over the Easter hols and not to wait.

...and the tooth fairy hasn't been.