Hello, I have been afraid to ask as I might not like the answer. I have had PMR for two years and been on pred for a year and a half. Yes, I am the one that had been looking for a faster DSNS method when down to 5 mg. Was feeling really great with muscle and joint stiffness basically gone. Then at 4 and a half the ear plug ness that I have had for about six months started turning to pain . Now I feel like the only problems I have are all literally In my head. I did have scalp tenderness but only for a few days. Sometimes I get almost a needle feeling in my scalp here and there. That’s it though, . No real headache or jaw pain. So weird. I am wondering if I may have mild GCA and it is controlled with the 6 mg. Pred. I upped it a bit with the ear pain. I am waiting for an MRI but could be months away and getting an angiogram in two weeks as my rheumatologist hears something weird in my neck veins. This is so scary. I certainly don’t want to start this horrible journey all over again. Any suggestions or ideas ?
Is it possible to have MILD GCA ?: Hello, I have... - PMRGCAuk
Is it possible to have MILD GCA ?
Gosh I hope not. I may be wrong but I think it is more likely to be early GCA rather than mild GCA - I am not sure that there is mild GCA. This has happened to me and my symptoms are not as severe as many describe on here. I am currently on 30 mgs of Prednisalone and have only had head symptoms and eyestrain. Large cells were picked up during an ultrasound but not in my temples a few weeks before diagnosis. My CRP blood levels showed high inflammation. The sooner treatment is started the better in my view - to bank down the inflammation that threatens vision. Do not hesitate to seek emergency care if things worsen, as time is critical. Good luck!
Yes, you are correct you are not going to like this answer...............andit is harsh but sometimes.......
As far as I know there is no half way, you either have it or not.
You need to bite the bullet and seek medical help now. Delay means you are riskng you sight. If it goes, either partial or total its gone. No getting it back.
Follow this link, although I have a feeling I might have sent it to you before
8th Cranial Nerve Involvement.
link.springer.com/article/1...
What ever is happening please remember that suspected GCA is a medical emergency just like a heart attack or a stroke.
Thanks for your reply. I guess at this point I am waiting for more symptoms. If I go to emergency I am just complaining of ear pain and some weird head jabs. My CRP is in the teens and remaining blood tests are normal. Eyes seem ok. If I get any visual disturbance I most certainly will head over there.
If it is GCA will the high dose pred relieve the ear pain ? That alone could be worth it. I may bite the bullet soon.
I think every disease comes in varying levels of severity. It also depends which arteries are affected - there is no fixed picture. But something is causing it - and it may not be GCA. Only a doctor will be able to tell.
Thanks, I am heading to the lab now. If my CRP is higher again then my rheumatologist will call me tomorrow. I really need that MRI but it’s a wait, if I go to emergency tomorrow is there a quick test they might do to tell for sure? I know there is something wrong.
Has your CRP been climbing then? In the UK/Europe the ED might do an emergency CT or possibly even an MRI. Don't know. In an ideal world there would be someone able to do ultrasound on the temporal artery or the brachial artery (armpit and into the arm) which could demonstrate the halo sign which is characteristic of GCA,
Ok thanks, I actually feel better talking about it. I have been secretly hoping the whole the thing would just go away. That’s not happening so now I will have to face the inevitable. Others on here have managed so I will too. Will have CRP later today as it has been on the rise. Thanks again for your time.
Rising levels of ESR and CRP over time are always a sign there is something going on.
The great thing about going to ER is they will do appropriate test now instead of later. Our ER is always empty these days so I was always in n out quick.
PMR TO GCA OR WAS IT ALWAYS GCA? UP PRED?
GCA concerns
Wondering if anyone else has experienced this possible start to GCA?
Advice please - I have GCA and an onset of different symptoms. 
It is too late for imaging for GCA?
