Saw my Rhuemy on Friday, he carefully told me about the symptoms of GCA, which of course I already new due to this site and other PMR related web searches. Two good things, my husband sitting there had no idea about this related desease and the doctor said any symptoms to ring his office right away and I would be seen immediately as it is vital to get treatment urgently. There is a lot of complaints and moaning about the NHS but I don't think you can expect better than that.
Sun shining AGAIN in the Northwest, have a wonderful day everyone🌟
I am glad you feel that you were properly dealt with and are in safe hands. A definitive diagnosis is sometimes a relief, it was for me after months of trips to the doctor and tests. Update us on how you get on.
Good to hear you had understanding and caring Rheumy, hang on to him. So good that your husband was there as well, hopefully he will understand things better as well, it does make it easier if they have an inkling of what you’re going through. No one without PMR/GCA really fully understands, but just a little knowledge and understanding goes along way!
Sounds good! May we ask what hospital he's at? There are people in the NW with problems with getting to see a rheumy at all, even with PMR and other symptoms that could be GCA.
I am under Dr Bukhari, consultant, but see his registrar Dr Patel at the Westmoreland Cottage Hospital, Kendal. I'm not sure but think Bukhari is based in Manchester. He certainly attends Lancaster Royal Infirmary too, possibly Preston or Blackpool. I was pleased that Dr. Patel consulted with Dr Bukhari about me on Friday as I know he wants to taper me off preds asap. I had got myself down to 15mg from 22.5 but I don't think I was leaping about as much as he thought I should anyway the instructions were to stay at 15mgs for the next 4 weeks which really fits in with the advice received on here.
I'm sure he does - don't we all want to taper off pred asap? Unfortunately it isn't him or you that is in charge, it is the PMR. You need what you need to manage the inflammation - if the underlying cause of the symptoms we call PMR is still active, you will need some pred. And the median duration of PMR is 5.9 years - so maybe it won't be as soon as he thinks.
No doubt this is something he will hopefully learn from his consultant, everybody seems to know someone with my condition but I've not actually met a fellow sufferer face to face yet even at the clinic. Seems all new to my GP too, I've noticed that there are no information leaflets on it at the clinic either, fibro yes but not PMR.
Hi Chris, if you contact the charity, they will send you some leaflets to take to your GP's surgery and the hospital. info@pmrgcauk.com
I don't know if you're a member, but it's only £15 / year and a lot of us feel it's essential to support the charity's work, which includes paying for this presence on Health Unlocked!
GPs can apply to be professional members of the charity for free!!
The website lists the local support groups too. pmrgcauk.com
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GCA concern
Has pmr gone into remission 
Is there a minimum effective dose for prednisone?
Do as Rhuemy and Dr say re reducing pred ?
PMR and CLL
