Hello, I have been off steroids for about 3 years now after being diagnosed with gca, i now have a bad chest infection which seems to have started the gca off again, i.e. headache, scalp tender etc, the doctor has put me on 40 mg pred, does anybody think there might be a connection between the two.
Thanks for any info.
Could well be.
Has GP suggested just a short course of Pred, or is this a permanent return?
I’m still unsure whether 2 fairly recent joint replacements and a short bout of the flu has resurrected my GCA or triggered PMR.
ESR markers high, which could be due to ops and flu and also niggly shoulders, but that I know, is partially due arthritis.
Been off Pred for 2&half years.
It’s very disheartening isn’t when you think it’s gone, and maybe it hasn’t. But I think it’s only ever in remission, and can be triggered by other stresses, but let’s hope it’s not!
Thank you for that info, I am having ultrasound this week to confirm or not.
Good. Let us know the outcome.
Sorry to hear things aren't so good for you. I remember you wondering about this a few weeks ago, and hoped you had recovered. Are you on pred again.
I’m trialling it for a week - just to see what the outcome is. Second day in - and I’m not totally convinced either way as yet!
People do have relapses I'm afraid - it isn't uncommon for most autoimmune disorders to hover in the background for life.
I believe it could. When our body is weakened, it is more vulnerable. That is my opinion. I am not a medical doctor.
Chest infection shall I increase steroids for a few days.
Prednisolone juggling: post chest infection and trip to Kenya vs shame
medication and infection 
Cough, chest pressure, GCA
