Ultrasound yesterday

[polymy]

Had my ultrasound scan yesterday afternoon. The scan is negative which cheered me a lot. Before I had even got home a rheumatologist rang me to say reduce from 40mg pred to 30mg from today. From 30 to 20 the following week and from 20 to 10 the following week. Leave it on 10 until I see my own rheumatologist at the end of May. Seems very quick to me. She did say any sign of symptoms returning to get back to them. Any sign of symptoms returning and I will get back to pred, not her!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good - hope it all works well though I don't think I would go straight from 20 to 10!! Do you have PMR too?

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I had PMR before the GCA kicked in. My thoughts were the same as yours. I think 20-17.5 would be good?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

What were you on pre-GCA scare?

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

CRP was rising and I had jaw claudication and an a headache on the left temple. I was feeling quite ill. Doctor acted immediately. 40mg pred took away the symptoms.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

Hmmm - just because you don't have signs in the u/s doesn't mean it isn't GCA that hasn't reached there. Do watch out for a return of the jaw claudication or any other symptoms.

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

I do feel concerned. I asked the radiologist if the negative result could be because the pred had got on top of the inflammation. She thought it could be.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

Or both - so at 20mg it think it would be a good idea to slow down and be watchful.

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I don’t care if the Rheumy grumbles about it. I think 2.5 mg reduction from 20 down to 10 sounds good.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Like PMRpro I would be inclined to go 20-15-10 - even then you might find it a bit of a struggle.

Good news, and good luck.

[polymy in reply to DorsetLady]

Many thanks DL. I’m ever hopeful it won’t return.