Will low dose of pred alter the outcome of the test?

[merril]

First visit to Rheumatologist today. Sending me for ultrasound scan next week. Writing to GP to confirm PMR and GCA and suggesting low dose of pred and alendronic acid because of my age to test out. Can't tell you how pleased I am because all this pain without any meds is very hard to bear. My main concern was the possibility of a stroke or sight. I am also aware that the ultrasound may not show any giant cells but at least he knows what he is talking about and I am so grateful for all the knowledge and support given me here on the forum, as well as all the studies sent me from Yvonne on the help line.

[piglette]

What has Alendronic acid got to do with your age? Have you had a Dexascan to show you need it?

[merril in reply to piglette]

piglette, I have no idea. I think the rheumy was talking about pred, so perhaps I didn't make that clear. At nearly 90 and with underlying issues perhaps he is being careful. What do you think? Any and all info very welcome.

[piglette in reply to merril]

It just seemed a strange thing to say, you would have thought they would give you enough pred to work irrespective of your age. Perhaps they were being polite??

[Melti]

Merril, I hope you get your low dose of pred asap and that it helps your pain quickly - as 10mg did for me. Like you, I'm very grateful for the support, experience and help of the wise people on this forum.

[merril in reply to Melti]

Thank you melti , me too. I am just so pleased that rheumy listened to me and is arranging ultrasound scan so quickly, and he expects GP should have received his report by next Tuesday and prescription to follow soon after.

[SheffieldJane]

How low a dose for GCA ( Pred)? I would still worry about safeguarding my sight. I hope the ultrasound shows anything that’s there. The signs in my arteries were only visible in my left armpit. I was started on 30 mgs, that wasn’t enough so I was put up to 40 mgs.

Perhaps the low dose Pred is just until you have your ultrasound scan. You are right, a high dose could obscure your results. I was on 3 mgs when I had mine. Alendronic Acid is a serious drug, with side effects. I would only take it if my Dexa ( bone density scan) showed that I really needed it.

[merril in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for responding. Jane. I am not thinking clearly ATM and so tired that it is easier to believe that the rheumy is looking after my best interests. I will write down your comments and discuss them with him next week.

[SheffieldJane in reply to merril]

Good luck merril, it is stressful I know and your doctor maybe perfectly fine, and looking after your best interests. Sometimes we need to be the intelligent informed patient and that takes some research and paying attention to people like PMRPro. I just relate my own experience and what I manage to find out. This forum is great and sometimes doctors are not as clued up as people who just research one disease.Good luck with the ultrasound, mine showed abnormalities that inform my current treatment.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The u/s won't show giant cells - that needs a biopsy and histology. It may show the halo sign - IF that particular artery is affected. It might not be. It shouldn't affect the u/s that soon as it is a structural change.

[merril in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR, so far I am clear about your comments, but could you say more about "structural change"?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to merril]

The structure of the artery wall - it is a tissue healing process, it won't change back in a few days, not sure how long it would take mind.

[merril in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, that's clear now.👍