Hi im new to this page, I've been having a few severe headaches and last week the dr put me on steroids called prednisolone 5mg 8 a day, he said from my symptoms it sounds like arterial aritis(excuse spelling) i have to ring him back tomorrow Tuesday to see how I've been, the headaches were easing, but today they are back, any advice please
Thanks
It sounds like he suspects Giant Cell Arteritis. This is a serious systemic disease that can put your eyesight at risk. 40 mgs of Pred is not doing the trick. You need to speak to a doctor urgently, with a view to raising your dose. A usual start dose is 60 mgs.
Thank you
Hi and welcome, Glad you’ve found us - can you put a bit more info on your profile please - helps us help you. Other health issues etc
Temporal Arteritis or Giant Cell Arteritis is usual name for what you doctor thinks you may have.
The dose you have been given (40mg) is usual start dose for GCA provided you have no sight issues.
It may take a few days to a week to settle things down - but you may find that 40mg is not enough - so keep notes so you can explain to doctor when you speak to him again.
I’m going to suggest you have a read through this - it’s a bit long and might seem a bit daunting to start with, but hopefully it will help you understand what your illness is all about. Then come back and ask any more questions - there’s always someone about to help.
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thank you
Welcome - although we would far rather you didn't need to be here.
I think he probably said it was giant cell arteritis, or possibly temporal arteritis. Same thing, different names but both mean that it is inflamed arteries that are restricting the blood flow to certain areas.
You are in the UK and it is under lockdown - but I still need to ask: Have you been doing more the last couple of days? Or eating something different? Maybe lots of chocolate? How are you taking the tablets? They should all be taken together in the morning, preferably with breakfast. If that is what you are doing - how long is it before the pain improves? 40mg is the lowest dose for GCA and it is possible it isn't enough.
DorsetLady will be along shortly with her easy guide to GCA - I can't come near her experience with GCA.
In the meantime, do you have any visual symptoms at all? Of any sort. If you do, don't wait for tomorrow but call 111 - and explain you need to speak to a doctor immediately about whether you need a higher dose of pred.
Thank you for your replies, means a lot to know I'm not alone in this, i will see what my dr says tomorrow when i ring him
Thank you
So, in total, 40mg, which is probably not enough to calm down the inflammation. You need 1 mg per kilogram of your body weight. 60 to 65 mg at least. Keep safe, and learn from this forum. You may need to guide your doctor, they could be as new to this as you are.
I started on 50 mg having lost the sight in one eye but quick acting GP saved it. I was lucky others haven’t been so. If you get any visual disturbance don’t wait until tomorrow- you will need an immediate increase. Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a medical emergency.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you want - there’s plenty of experience on here. Remember too that it isn’t a one size fits all remedy - we have to adjust to our individual needs - and listen to your body don’t ignore symptoms.
Best wishes
I see that you've heard from the best of the best on this forum. This forum changed my life...even though I'm in the States, they have been with me through this journey. It is powerful knowing you aren't alone...and everyone is so caring. So very happy you are here!! You won't be alone in dealing with this....my best to you.
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