PMR/GCA vs differential diagnosis- First rheumatologist visit- United States

[Richnroo]

Hello, for anyone who is interested I live in the United States and finally had a first rheumatologist visit. I opted to go to a specialist at UC Davis and he was fantastic. He appears to be very knowledgeable about PMR and GCA. He is questioning my potential diagnosis due to the need for the high dose of prednisone ( I’m currently requiring 40mg to control my symptoms) but he has not ruled it out and does not care that I am 49 and therefore “ it can’t be PMR”. I am scheduled to have an MRA next week to look for extracranial giant cell arteritis. He has also ran a whole host of other tests looking for other potential differential diagnosis. So far I am very pleased. He did order me a 90 day supply of prednisone and is not trying to yank me off it.

In other news, for any of you who recall my discussing the pharmacist that refused to refill my prednisone, well I did in fact file a formal complaint. And took my new prescription for the 90 day supply to another pharmacy where it was promptly filled no problems.

Hope everyone is well!

[SheffieldJane]

Wow! Tick,tick,tick! Spot on, well done! X

[Richnroo in reply to SheffieldJane]

Happy dance! 😂

[SheffieldJane in reply to Richnroo]

You must promise to send the happy dance video as a Christmas treat. 😂😂😂

[Richnroo in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hahaha yes!!!!!

[yorkieme]

Well done you,in this case it worked out o.k. but his/her actions could have had severe knock on effects.All good news really.

[Richnroo in reply to yorkieme]

Yes!

[Dydee]

Good for you!! I called my insurance today (Medicare advantage) to see if I needed a referral to a rheumy and they said yes. My doc didn't want to initially, said HE could treat it but I'm going to ask again.

[Richnroo in reply to Dydee]

I would!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sounds a promising start!!!!

[Richnroo in reply to PMRpro]

So far so good!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Richnroo]

Long may it last!!!!

[Richnroo]

I’m not Medicare age, but I’m a nurse and from what I’ve seen, Medicare with a supplement is the way to go. The advantage plans are great..... until you need something you weren’t expecting.

[Richnroo]

Many years ago I worked on the floor in the hospital on the med floor. We had tons of psych patients since we have no psych facilities where I live. I did not enjoy that aspect. I’ve been in home home health now for years and that’s my calling. Ooo norovirus. Nasty thing that is.

[Dydee]

Yeah, when we chose our plan we had no health issues and cheaper was better. Our plan has really been great and hubby has VA docs and meds too. Would like more control but will work within our plan till it doesn't work anymore. I'll look at Medicare plus supplement just in case. Geez, I thought all that choice making was behind me.

[Richnroo]

You’re definitely right about Depending on your personal circumstances and where you live.

[Richnroo]

You’re definitely right about Depending on your personal circumstances and where you live.

[Dydee]

I agree with your wife!! Been here 15 years, added all our conviences, Tuff Shed, raised garden beds, doggy yard (I raise and show Miniature Schnauzers) NEVER want to move again. BUT, I guess some day this all might be too much to care for.

[Jackoh]

All sounds good. Long may it continue!! 💐

[nuigini]

Happy to see your success on so many levels.

[Peptink]

Can you tell me the differences between an advantage vs a supplement? Thanks.

[Amkoffee]

Can you please tell me a little more about what the pharmacy that wouldn't fill your prescription for prednisone said to you? I'd like to know what they claimed their reason was.

[Richnroo in reply to Amkoffee]

He just was insisting that I already had prednisone and therefore it was a duplicate. He would not listen to my explanation that I had gone to the emergency room and the practitioner had written me a prescription for a different strength so that I could mix and match dosages if I needed to go up. He clearly was not understanding that prednisone isn’t always taken at a set amount every day