Is it jaw claudication ?

[Blurry62]

How do you tell if jaw discomfort is GCA, claudication ?

[SheffieldJane]

I think typically it occurs when you are chewing and gets worse as you chew.

[CT-5012 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Certainly does and when you stop chewing it goes away quite quickly.

[Blurry62 in reply to CT-5012]

Thanks. You've never experienced a pain while chewing and then, lingering discomfort,?

[SnazzyD]

My jaw muscles hurt while I was chewing in a way that your legs go sore and weak if you’re over doing exercise. It’s because the blood supply isnt getting to it properly. If you stop using the muscle it goes away. Problems with the joint (TMJ) there is similar but more in the hinge radiating out and often accompanied with grinding or clicking.

[Blurry62 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks! What a good description/explanation this is. . This definitely sounds like what's been occurring with me. I'll go see the eye doctor on Monday and check the blood flow to my eyes 'm also going to raise my pred to 20

[PMRpro Ambassador]

By definition, claudication is pain that is due to an insufficient blood and therefore oxygen supply to muscles that are working. So in GCA the pain starts when you are using your jaw and stops when you stop using it only to return when you start using the muscles again. You may not notice it when eating soft food. Some doctors suggest using chewing gum as a diagnostic test - the mouth action brings on the pain even though you aren't biting onto hard items which would happen if it were a tooth problem.

[Hidden]

My old rheumatologist told me to eat an apple a day. It will let you know if you have jaw claudication fast. And he added won’t hurt to eat the apple. 🍏 🍎

[HeronNS in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lin-calif, how are things with you these days? Your old rheumatologist was a wise one.

[Hidden in reply to HeronNS]

Well I went to fast from 10 to 8 mgs of prednisone crashed then had to go back up to 15 to get under control then tookPmrPro advice and have been back at 10 mgs for 5 days now and doing ok.

My hip which was doing awful is actually almost pain free.

I love living in Oregon and love my little town. I tell friends I have died and gone to Mayberry. It truly feels like stepping back in time.

So how are you doing on this journey.

[HeronNS in reply to Hidden]

Glad you like your new home. That is so important. You'll do fine if you go slowly enough with your taper. I've been stuck at 2.5 for a couple of years now. Was lower, but can't seem to get back there again, so I'm just going to hang out at this dose until warm summer weather and less stress (we are preparing for a move, but just down the road, soon).

[piglette in reply to Hidden]

I think under 10mg, reduction should be reduced to 1mg at a time maximum and even .5mg in my case! I am glad your hip is now pain free.

[Hidden in reply to piglette]

Not totally pain free but getting close on this hip.

[piglette in reply to Hidden]

That is good news anyway.

[Janstr]

When I had it, I couldn't eat anything until around the middle of the day when it seemed to get a bit better.