GCA Possible relapse.

[BOBOFBRISTOL]

I was diagnosed with GCA in Feb last year. Symptoms being severe headache and sensitive scalp but negative biopsy. Responded very well to prednisolone and currently on 4 mg pred. Two days ago I began to feel a sensation in my right eye which felt like a slight pressure behind the eye and feeling that I had to blink to achieve a focus especially when moving around. This was accompanied by a very slight headache above the eyes. No other symptoms at this time but worried it could be a GCA relapse. Waited all day today for the emergency chemist optician to phone back only to be told they were busy until next week. I will try to contact my Rheumatologist tomorrow .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

A week? That’s not an emergency service!

Not sure it sounds typically like a flare - but one never knows, and you have reduced quickly.

Usually recommendation for a flare is to add 5mg to the dose you last felt okay - so if that was 5mg for you then that would be 10mg. Take for 5-7 days to get rid of symptoms- and then drop back down to 5mg.

You could try extra tonight (to take you up to 10mg for today, and 10mg again tomorrow if you’re worried before you speak to Rheumy. The extra for a couple of days will do no harm - and you can easily drop back down to 5mg if it’s not a flare.

[SheffieldJane]

Next week is not good enough BOBOFBRISTOL. I would say up your dose as you wait to talk to your Rheumatologist. I simply do not know how much would safeguard you. If these eye symptoms persist, I would seriously consider A&E. I have heard that it is a much quicker experience currently, well protected from potential Covid 19 contact. Let us know what happens with this please.

[SnazzyD]

Also, possible your eye pressure is going up which needs addressing. Have had the pressures checked every fee months?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Don't hesitate to go to A&E is it gets worse or you are really worried. It is safe!