Currently on the dsns taper at 19/18.5 mg. Here's the thing; I'm seeing arteries on my forehead I've never seen before. Everything is completely flat; it's just that they're visible where they were not. I also have a new one bulging on my hand.
I have had transient head pain during this leg of the taper and settled into the 19mg. for awhile before challenging my body to accept the 18.5 again. These pains are significant but, are usually resolved with Tylenol.
What do you think? Is this indicative of a flare?
Has this happened to anyone else?
Thank you everyone!
Written by
Blurry62
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi blurry62, I have found all my arteries are more visible and in places do seem intermittently more prominent. It could be thinning skin and of course pmr and gca are vascular so I presume weird and wonderful things might be happening! That said.... If you are at all concerned see the dr/rheumy and just ask about them. I "just" have pmr and I think anything on the head would make me feel vulnerable so best to be safe and reassured. Hopefully gca peeps will be helpful.
GCA about 4 years now, on 4 mg pred. When I have a flare my left temporal artery pops out a bit. I’ve always had visible hand veins not related to GCA.
When first diagnosed, I had a large L shaped bulging artery on my forehead. With prednisone treatment it went away completely. So I understand what you're saying.
No bulging yet. Hopefully not gonna happen. Thank you.
Me too. ( PMR three months of Pred} The ones each side of my head on my temples have disappeared, but they have stuck out for years on my neck and are still there ( had ultrasound to check them out) and leg varicose veins are much much worse since Pred!
I have had GCA for over 3 years now on 6.5mg struggling to reduce from this dose.
When I get tired the Temporal artery area over my left eye where I had the biopsy, often feels very tender and raised, also get quite headachy, but I know it's not flaring, paracetamol helps - and rest!
Really? When you get tired? I mean, I'm hearing this for the first time. GCA stinks. It's always another thing around the bend. Thank you for answering.
I get a vein keep coming and going in middle of forehead and my my hands / palms and since last time of flare of symptoms I have two prominent blue ones on leg and strangely when I went to see someone about breathing she said can I just look at that vein in your neck. She did blood test said just low vit d and never mentioned again.
Must point out I have no diagnosis but get numerous symptoms.
Artery coming and going would alarm me. That was my first huge visual clue about my GCA. My blood work has been normal since diagnosis with a biopsy.
Doctor said if there's no pulse , it's likely to be a vein rather than an artery on my hand. However, that forehead thing you've got going on is something I'd encourage you to create a new post about. Get more input from the forum regarding that please.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
PMR Aching again! Should i be worried?
Heading into several stressful weeks, should I hold steady?
Should I contact rheumatologist?
When tapering should we be pain free? 
