Worried about headaches...and much more

[dinhal]

I am 83 yrs old and three yrs ago started getting stabbing headaches on each side in temple area. I never had a headache in my life before that. Then I came down with the dreaded PMR and went through prednisone and finally got off that . My sed rates are normal. I still have neck and shoulder and burning thigh and hip pain and have trouble walking. Needless to say, my life has never been the same.

Now to the point. I’m worried about GCA because of the headaches. They zap me on one side or other but don’t last long..

Does this sound like G C A from all you experiencing this crap.

Id appreciate any thoughts and advice.

Thanks.

[SheffieldJane]

It definitely sounds possible. Any unusual headache should be reported to the doctor and investigated. If the doctor’s no good, you could fast track yourself to hospital by going to A&E.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, because of your history I would suspect GCA. People do experience some similarities but also differences, judging by what people say on here. With your other pains, it may well be although you were off Pred the PMR may not have been off you, especially if your symptoms were still present. See rates are not always a reliable sign of active disease or not with this condition. inflammation may have been cooking away and has caused GCA. Really, you need checking out sooner rather than later, especially because this is a new type of headache. If you get any sort of new eye trouble, hot foot it to A&E if you haven’t already done so.

[audrey105]

Hi

I have also been on prednisone for 3 years.

I was down to 5 mg for a few months when I started getting pressure pains in lower back. I went on medical marajuana for the pain and carried on . It’s not perfect but works and you are so right, Life has never been the same

If I had the headaches you explain I would find a rheumatologist or good internist. You could see if a high dose of pred would eliminate them and if not it’s probably something else.

Could be something unrelated-stress does strange things but definitely check it out even if you are not experiencing one.

Wishing you the best.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You sound to still have PMR - you don't take pred for a short time and stop, you need it for years to manage the symptoms, it is a chronic condition. As long as the PMR is present, you are at risk of developing GCA. I think you need this checked out. And soon.