I was given the wrong dosage of Prednisone....? - PMRGCAuk

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I was given the wrong dosage of Prednisone....?

Grammy80 profile image
12 Replies

Haunting question....did this matter. When I woke on August 5, 2019, and was blind in one eye I called the ambulance since I live alone. After multiple doctors and exams in the emergency room and a diagnosis of GCA, an opthamologist gave the order for me to have 1000 mg of prednisone, IV, for three days in a row.

The first day the hospital gave me 100 mg....the second day 100 mg...on the third day I got the 1000 mg.

The GCA has been very aggressive.....could this have had a big impact?

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Grammy80
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12 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

To be honest I very much doubt it, once the sight goes as quickly as that, it’s gone. The large doses are then given primarily to save the other eye, and you should be monitored for about 2 weeks to make sure that’s happening.

If you’d had intermittent sight loss for a few seconds or even minutes or other sight issues prompt action may have saved the eye, but one never knows, so no point pondering it really.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to DorsetLady

I agree....that is why I called it a haunting question...because as quickly as it runs through my mind, I say "why think about it?" The thought of it used to anger me which is does not and in time I'm sure I won't think of it at all. It is what it is and what is at hand is what I must deal with. You rock DL~!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Grammy80

I know exactly where you are coming from , I had anger at the start, and because mine progressed over 3 days I did wonder if I’ve been more proactive things might have been different.

In fact my neighbour and I had this discussion only lasted week - he took me to see the GP on the second day (who said it was nothing and to make appointment to see optometrist) - and he said I wish I had taken you to the hospital straight away you might have saved it.

I told him what the specialists decided in hindsight - that the damage was already done, and yes I might have retained some distorted sight in that eye but it wouldn’t have been reversed. And personally I think it would have caused more problems having blurred vision in that eye rather than none - much more complicated for the brain!

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to DorsetLady

You are spot on.....I have the one eye but as I said...I can't read or do handwork....and it does play with what brain I have left...and it makes doing things tiring. ;)

alvertta profile image
alvertta

Sorry this happened. I had 1000 for three days. Then 60 but I still had sight in both eyes on that day and still do. Take care.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to alvertta

Stay on course~!!! I have two friends that maintained sight as well. Just yesterday a friend gave me the phone # of a friend who lost sight completely. I'll have to make sure 'I've got it together before I call." :(

alvertta profile image
alvertta in reply to Grammy80

Sad.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Possibly - but you will never be able to know for sure. However - I do hope the hospital has got their act together with procedures now.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro

You are right....I'll never know...it really doesn't matter anymore. The more I learn from all of you...the better advocate I will be for myself...on Friday I had brain, neck and chest scans with contrast done. I told the technician, "If I need any surgery, it won't be here." He actually agreed..."Go south," he said meaning Boston, Mass. :)

Thanks for talking about this. I 'just' have pmr but I discuss both pm/gca with friends and family just to flag up that they need to act on the symptoms. A friends husband had TA and his Mother had it too so its worth banging on about it 🌻🌈

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Well done for coping with a crisis perfectly whilst living alone. I find the prospect daunting, and I admire your courage a great deal.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to SheffieldJane

Somedays I feel I am NOT handling it and am scared to death.....then I have a better day or just lay down~!! Thanks for your support.

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