My Moon Face

I was diagnosed only in June and started off on 100mg Prednisolone for first day reducing to 75mg and am now down to 25mg. Everything tastes terrible so no weight gain but oh the "moon face". I don't even look like myself. I will be down to 15mg daily in about 4 weeks so can I see this moon face slowly going?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

With a bit of luck yes but it depends, some people don't lose it until completely off pred.

What on earth was your diagnosis? That is a REALLY bizarre dose and reduction approach.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Yes high dose but saved my sight. I am under two excellent specialists, my symptoms were extremely hard to diagnose. I am very lucky the GCA was picked up.

[Linny3]

Hello

Unfortunately for me, I still have the moon face even on tapering. I have gained about 8 lbs. so that is part of it. I hate the look but have learned to ignore it most of the time. At least I don't have to look at myself very much.

Take Care

Lin

[Daisychain12 in reply to Linny3]

Lin that makes me sad. I bet you are still very pretty xxx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I found mine disappeared once I’d got down to single figures.

I know it’s upsetting, but as I said to someone the other day, you’re still you underneath, and it is only temporary! Plus it works miracles on those wrinkles 😉

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

That is one good thingy

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Got to take the positives when we can 😏 it cheaper than Botox!

[suracon]

Yes. I am shocked that you were started on such a high dose of press. You seriously readings must have been very high.

[Marilyn1959]

I am noticing start of reversal of pred face since recent reduction from 8mgs to 7.5mgs. Happy Days! Be patient. It will happen when you least expect it. The down side is the wrinkles are starting to return as well.

[SheffieldJane]

Yes, especially if you are not gaining weight. You’ve been on quite a Pred journey!

[Daisychain12]

Do u mind me asking if you had GCA as well as PMR? I was in mega dose too but seems now unnecessarily and having hell of a job reducing. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Daisychain12]

Yes I had GCA as well as PMR and am still being monitored for it.

[Hidden]

WOW! I am in awe! Wait what???? You started on 100mg in JUNE (is that 2018????) and you are down to 25 mg????? How on earth??? Sorry, I am in shock!

I was diagnosed with GCA & PMR in 11/2017. Started on 40, went to 60. Started a taper and got back to 40, when I had a flare. Had to go to 80 and start the taper, all over again... I'm currently on 30mg!!!! I won't see 15mg until November! (...if the Universe allows!)

How do you feel? No aches and pains? No heavy limbs? No shoulder pain? Fatigue? WOW! If Moon Face and food tasting terrible are your two complaints you are doing GREAT! Really you are so lucky... I hope your taper down continues to go so smoothly!!!!

I am green with envy! : 0

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Actually have to have blood tests every two weeks and do have frequent severe head pains. Have two extremely competent specialists monitoring me constantly as I can't take most pain killers especially opiates. All going well so far.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hmmmm? I have never been offered (nor was it ever suggested) that I take pain killers. Before I was diagnosed with GCA I was OD'ing on Ibuprofen and it didn't even touch the pain...

GOOD ON YOU! I am so happy to hear a SUCCESS story! May your journey on this wretched road be short and sweet!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Not being able to take painkillers isn't a downside in PMR/GCA - they don't work. Pred is the painkiller - which is why you need enough of it.

[piglette in reply to Hidden]

Why do you need painkillers other than pred? Do you have something other than PMR/GCA? Other painkillers just do not work with PMR/GCA, if they do you should be looking for what else is the problem.

[Rimmy in reply to Hidden]

All this sounds amazing YvonneViolet but I have to say I'd worry if I was having 'severe head pains' - despite blood tests - which aren't always useful - surely that must be indicative of returning inflammation - what do your specialists say about those !?

[Mikb]

I started at 75 mgs of pred in May 2017 and when the biopsy came back positive for GCA I had 3 days of 1,000 mgs IV. Then back to 75 for a month. Currently I am at 5 mgs and the moon face is decreasing and wrinkles reappearing. Not happy about the wrinkles but happy to start to recognize me in the mirror again. i am amazed at how quickly you have been able to decrease. Best of luck and health and disappearing moon face!

[Grants148]

I did not realise untill l looked at a photograph taken about eighteen months ago just how much my face had been affected by the Pred.,l certainly had a moon face,but it did look very free of wrinkles which was an advantage .My face has almost returned to normal plus dreaded lines and wrinkles ,but at least it looks more natural for my age .Best wishes ,l hope you will soon be free of those headaches.