Stiff neck and jaw

[susieq051]

Just wandering if this is a side effect of predisone . Stiff neck stiff jaw tiring in chewing still somewhat lingers. Usual both symptoms go away after 7pm. Usually appears after taking prednisone current dose 20 mg. Newly diagnosed and new to this website.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it away if you take 25mg?

[susieq051 in reply to PMRpro]

Just tried this in am seems be no difference will try again tomorrow let you know. Thank you

[SnazzyD]

How soon after taking your dose does it occur? Is it a possibility that the symptoms are coming back because you’ve run out of the last dose and the new dose hasn’t yet filtered through?

[susieq051 in reply to SnazzyD]

Really don't have a clue about last into next dose however every morning at 645 I take the next and I am taking 20 mg with a full 8 oz glass of water and my breakfast I am new to.all of this just newly diagnosed.

[susieq051 in reply to susieq051]

Thank you for giving me a clue what this might be, I need other people who have to give me a clue

[SnazzyD in reply to susieq051]

So at what time after you take Pred do your symptoms come in?

[SheffieldJane]

Is your diagnosis PMR? These sound concerning symptoms that could point to GCA. I would return to my doctor. If this turns out to be the case you will be put on around 60 mgs for a little while. Any headaches or eye symptoms to report to the doc? It’s the jaw tiring that rings bells. I have PMR but think there was an undiagnosed flirt with GCA previously. I remember that I couldn’t be bothered to chew. My Rheumie said this could happen, but luckily PMR developed and responded to Prednisalone rather than GCA.

I don’t recognise those as side effects - unless related to stomach acid. Pred can be harsh on digestion. This can give heartburn related waves of pain in the jaw and neck, I have experienced that after taking Pred. Yoghurt usually prevents this ( organic Greek live yoghurt with a little honey.

[susieq051 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Originally when given tests which were RA, Lupus and fibromyalgia and SED rate all were done this last two weeks diagnosis came back with PMR because all tests came back negative. My SED rate first time was 41. The second to.a my SED was 48 he made no mention of GCA. As for my eyes I have severe double vision this is my next to him and I am so new to all of this I am only seeing my PCP because I cannot get in touch with a rheumatologist for 4 more months they are all booked up.

[susieq051 in reply to susieq051]

I have no headaches as of yet. Thank you for all help I really appreciate it.

[SheffieldJane in reply to susieq051]

If these symptoms are a big worry ( and I would be particularly worried about double vision alongside jaw pain), then I would go to the nearest emergency room, A&E in the UK, because GCA is a major threat to your eyesight. Better a wasted day than losing your vision.

[sondya in reply to susieq051]

Oh Susieq! This sounds very much associated with GCA - the eye and jaw pains. Shocked that you can't see a rheumatologist earlier than four months. GCA is a very serious disease and you could lose the sight in one or both of your eyes. Push harder to get a diagnosis - don't let them push you around. You just need answers and treatment.

bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2013/June/a...

[susieq051 in reply to sondya]

You must have given me some great luck because I actually went to rheumatologist office to see if there were any openings and too my surprise good fortune I get to actually see one on October 21 so I am very happy

[sondya in reply to susieq051]

Great!! Hopeful for a diagnosis. Keep in touch.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to susieq051]

Double vision can be a symptom of GCA - especially if it happens in the morning or after a nap. Please go to the ER if you can't see your PCP - the sed rate should be falling if you are on enough pred - not rising. Headaches - or any other so-called typical symptom - don't always appear early on, less than half present with headache.

[susieq051 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you I wondered if that was the case. Because I have had this and I really did not know why. Hopefully the rheumatologist will help to understand along with those in this community.

[Janstr]

I totally agree with Sheffieldjane. I have GCA & my GP said to go straight to A&E if I got double vision. The jaw and neck pain is also a symptom of GCA

[Seabyrd]

I agree with these ladies and would get checked out asap...my GCA started just like you are describing ... not trying to scare you but please see a Dr asap.. even better a rheumatologist..Good luck my best wishes to you.

[Choco-Holic]

I would definitely be going back to Doctor. I was diagnosed with PMR Which responded to 20mg prednisolone, reduced to 15mg and feeling great, however about 5 weeks later started with a stiff neck, tender scalp and jaw claudication (really hurt when chewing). Because I’d read about these symptoms I had an idea that it might be GCA so went straight to GP and was instantly put on higher dose of 40mg and had an emergency appointment with rheumatologist next day. I was then later increased to 50mg due to jaw symptoms again. The danger with undiagnosed GCA as I’m sure you’ll have read, is the risk to eyesight.

[Hellyowl]

Hi. I have GCA and I would get the jaw pain checked urgently, if it is not GCA please try this. It sounds daft and simple but it has worked for me. A few weeks ago my face was aching and my neck was sore on my GCA side. I had earache and felt achy if I chewed tough things. I was worried about a flare. My massure suggested I sleep with just one flat pillow. I didn't believe him. But it worked. Sometimes the simple is staring us in the face.

[susieq051]

To all you answered my questions I Thank You from the top and bottom of heart!! I took 30 mgs this am and within 3 hours I have no pain in jaw stuff neck is gone no double vision and I have never felt better. See another doctor this afternoon around 1:30 pm we shall see what he states and then I am telling him what I feel is going on and we will get to the bottom of this