Update on dizziness/fainting & arm pain

[Spanky2019]

Now that I have a reference for comparison, I would choose higher dose prednisone. I'm currently on 8 mg & don't feel well. But it appears much of what ails me right now is not the GCA. MRI shows stenosis(narrowing) at c5-c6 & c7-t1 in cervical spine which is causing severe bilateral arm & shoulder pain & hand weakness. I thought it may be pmr or negative side effects of prednisone. I already have multiple issues in lumbar spine plus osteoporosis. Recommended more P.T. & referral to spine surgeon. Will do P.T. as long a time needed. Consenting to back surgery would be difficult. . As far as fainting goes, I had 48 hr Heart monitor which showed pv?? & p??(can't remember names) & bradycardia. Cardiologist today made referral to electrophysiologist, another heart monitor (14 days this time). She said the remedy will likely be a pacemaker. That sounds like something for an old person. My little body is falling apart but not ready to give up. Never liked being idle - not painting large murals anymore - painting what I can do; so I'm painting rocks. Sauna is almost completed. Started peeling logs 1 1/2 yrs ago before I got gca to build an authentic log sauna. Settled for wood siding with cedar inside. It took hubby & me a year when it should have taken a month. But we got it done, one board at a time. GCA & other health issues has taught me many things. One of them is I better enjoy the journey because we all get to the final outcome eventually. It also has taught me to appreciate each minute when I feel good because feeling good can be very fleeting. Finally, I've learned to love, hug and cherish moments with family & friends for we never know when our last visit may be. Stay safe my friends.

[SheffieldJane]

Thank you for such an inspiring post Spanky. Keep safe. 🌼

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No insults about pacemakers being for old people please - I have one!!!!! I was 66 too - which I don't consider old though no doubt a lot of people might

The pacemaker is aimed at stopping the bradycardic episodes leading to syncope/fainting - which can be dangerous if they happen in the wrong place or at the wrong time, such as when you are at the top of the stairs or driving. What tends to happen is you have a period of too many heart beats (I think you mean PVC, premature ventricular contractions) and they are followed by a slower rate - that is what was happening for me. In my case there were periods where my heartrate fell to under 10 per minute for a short time - meaning no heart beat for up to 7 seconds. The purpose of the pacemaker is to poke the heart's electical system when that happens so it beats again.

[Spanky2019 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for explanation. I have a bit of an issue thinking of myself as old b/c I don't believe I am. But I'm all in favor of continually getting older and older...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Spanky2019]

Beats the alternative I think

[nuigini]

Love your attitude Spanky. Continue to enjoy life to the fullest!!