GCA or not? update: Today I had a telephone... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

20,770 members39,054 posts

GCA or not? update

Marlenec profile image
17 Replies

Today I had a telephone appointment for a second opinion with Dr. Sarah Mackie, and I do have GCA, contrary to the previous consultant's opinion. I expected GCA so I am mentally prepared and so relieved that I am now with Dr. Mackie.

Thank you everyone for your advice and guidance.

Keep safe and sane!

xx

Written by
Marlenec profile image
Marlenec
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
17 Replies

I have liked but hope you know what I mean. 🌻

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to

Yes thank you.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Excellent - if you know what I mean!!!!

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to PMRpro

Yes I certainly do!

Thank you.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Result! Sorry, though, but good.

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to SnazzyD

Yes relieved it's sorted. Thank you.

How long do you think you've had it Marlenec ? Will be interesting to see what mg she starts you on and the duration on each mg. I have it too and was getting on okay'ish but now increased mg slightly as symptoms weren't going. Symptoms no where near as bad as some on the forum, mine are niggly ones. Still slight tender head on both sides, certain area only, and jaw still hurt when I eat. No headache but am getting blurry vision soon after taking prednisone in the mornings, mouth ulcers, bruised skin, weight gain, fuller face and feeling a bit down some days, but manage to drag myself out of that as don't want to go down the road to depression. A part from that I'm good ha ha. Do hope you manage to get yours under control. My rheumy prescribed 40 mg for 2 weeks (think I should have stayed on that mg for 4 weeks) then 30 mg for 2 weeks - then drop down to 20 mg and stay on that for 2 - 4 weeks until I get to 10 mg, then drop by 1 -2 mg every month. Currently I've decided to stay on 25 mg for the foreseeable until the tender head has gone and I can eat without pain in my right tooth area and right temple.

The very best of luck

Anne

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

If your GCA symptoms have returned or then worsen - stop reducing until the symptoms are under control.

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to

Hi Anne

If you have time read my previous posts on "GCA or not " as that's the start of it and interesting replies.

I'm now on 17mg Prednisolone. Get back to me if any queries.

Thank you

Marlene

in reply to Marlenec

Morning Marlenec, I can't find your post to be able to read back

in reply to

healthunlocked.com/user/Mar...

😁😉

Rugger profile image
Rugger

At least you know what you're dealing with now and you're in good hands! We are so fortunate to have Dr Mackie in our 'neck of the woods'!

Take care Marlene. See you when things improve - with GCA and the pandemic.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

You are in safe, sane hands Marlene and she’s lovely with it.

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to SheffieldJane

You're right she was lovely- a breath of fresh air!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Marlenec

I feel happy for you. She restores the faith.

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Good news as you’re now on the right track

Marlenec profile image
Marlenec in reply to Jackoh

Yes, so true! Thank you.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

pmr advice

diagnosed with pmr 2018 been on pred all that time twice tapered to 0 and had to go back on. Been...

Prednisone, your dangerous little friend

You wake up to find your house on fire. Desperately you run from room to room but there is no way...

aching legs while tapering Prednisolone

I have been successfully tapering my Prednisolone dose by 1mg a month since October last year. My...

Lower back pain muscle or flare?

Hi everyone……Has anyone had lower back pain when tapering ….I was doing great Doctor lowered my...

Covid with TCZ

I am on my second bout of Covid. Because I am on TCZ, I have had the antiviral Paxlovid both times....