When to call Dr??

[Spanky2019]

With gca & other health issues it seems there is always a new pain or symptom. My previous pp couldn't have been better getting me into office same day usually and addressing problem. New primary, support may not be there. Been to ER twice b/c new provider didn't have time. This is first time since gca & on pred that I'm just beginning to get cough & very slight sore throat, no fever. Pre gca I wouldn't give it a thought, but now I'm not sure if Dr should be contacted. Just recently increased to 40 mg of prednisone due to flare. I think this is primary dr issue and not rheumy. It's all complicated, especially trying to think on prednisone.

[SnazzyD]

Hello. It’s all so worrying isn’t it? High doses just made me feel very not normal all the time. I used to get a dry throat (but not sore) then too and slight cough like catching which reduced with dose. I did have this before diagnosis too but it was worse and my voice was affected. If these were the only symptoms I would have given it a few days, especially with the viral season underway. I usually do a check all over mentally and look at what the rest of me is feeling and ask if there any worsening elsewhere before panicking.

[Spanky2019 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you. Not panicking but very unsure about a lot of things. Used to keep going and going until I dropped. Not a compatible strategy with gca +. I'll see how I do it's only 7 am now. Dont want to get stuck sick over 4 day Thanksgiving holiday. Hope you have a good day.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Spanky2019]

Can you at least get a check with a triage Nurse at your practise ?

At least then you get to put your mind at rest and get a bit of Self Care advice and you can record the fact that you are on a Flare and have increased you dose on the records , (which may also have had an effect) or they pass you through to the GP if they feel there are greater concerns.

Of course it could just be a cough from side effects , some of us get times of dry throat , breathlessness or coughs from acid reflux from use of steroids or it could be a bug that you will want to keep an eye on. But it is helpful to know what's causing it so you can make the right choices to improve it.

Increase your fluids in the meantime , and sip cool water slowly if you get a breathless dry coughing spell it helps calm it down .

You could have some warm drinks with honey to soothe your throat and take the usual cold / anti viral precautions in case it's an infection on the way too.

[Spanky2019 in reply to Blearyeyed]

No triage at this little rural clinic. I do now get anxious about swallowing, coughing, breathing related issues since esophageal dysmotility & strict dysphagia diet. Everything is in one way or another connected. I will continue self care & be mindful thru the day & see how it goes. As always, appreciate your advice and care.

[jinasc]

Can you arrange with your primary care for telephone consultations. Yes, GCA is dealt with at Secondary level, but your primary medics have a part to play also.

I must admit, that my Rheumy gave me his Secretary's number - however my GP's practice were brilliant and took calls when necessary.

I notice you said you had just recently been back on 40mg for a flare was that the Rheumy or the GP.

I know how difficult it can be when you are just at the beginning of GCA, but just think if you did not have GCA, would you have normally think cough and cold?

The 40mg will be protecting your eyesight, but if your eyes start to play up or your jaw starts to ache then take action which you have done as you recognised a 'flare'.

Hope this helps.

[Spanky2019 in reply to jinasc]

Rheumy (nearly 300 mile roundtrip to his office)prescribed 40 mg pred. He also said he may need to update, inform& educate new primary on seriousness of my health issues. Primary is very rural small clinic. Tried to call or msg last week when sick. Response was "too busy, go to other base clinic or ER". My primary is not only new to me but also new to that practice so a lot of stress for her maybe

[Hidden in reply to Spanky2019]

Hi spanky, It is concerning when things pop up or fall off when you have an complex set of health issues. Acid reflux can be a problem and I always get a night time cough and morning sore throat if I don't find the right position to keep it where it should be, book under the top legs of the bed help. It always happens at my sisters unless I cart all my pillow with me.

It could also be a bug. So perhaps treat yourself like you have a bug today. 💕

[Spanky2019 in reply to Hidden]

Will do. R & R is becoming familiar friend again. I have all reflux helps in place, i.e. elevation, humidity, RX, hydration. Thank you!

[alvertta]

I feel that too. Do I feel off due to prednisone. Or is something else wrong. Drat.