When do I panic? Already did!

[91066Jackson]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my first post about whether or not to go to the ER when I exhibited growing symptons of GCA - swollen and sore temples, pain migrating down to jaw when I was attempting to taper down to 17.5 mg daily of prenisone. All responses were that I should err on the side of “better safe than sorry” and so I did. What a relief to my worried mind it was. The ER doctor ordered blood work, a visual acuity test, IV of an additional anti-inflammatory and talked to the on-call rheumatologist. Result: My rheumatologist ordered the following: 5 days of 60 mg of Predisone, then 3 weeks at 30 mg followed by 3 weeks at 20 mg; then a slow taper of .5 mg for 3-weeks until I am off the prenisone. And he is starting me on Actemra injections once a week as well.

I have my fingers - and toes - crossed that this will work.

Again, so grateful for your responses and support through this journey.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Good!!!!!! Another successful "get thee to the doctor" event.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good…….we won’t say ‘told you so’….but 😉

[Nextoneplease]

Excellent news that you got such good and reassuring treatment 😊

All the best xx

[SheffieldJane]

Whew! So glad you decided to go.

[91066Jackson in reply to SheffieldJane]

Boy, me too! Thanks again for your encouragement!

[123mossie]

Hood luck hope all goes well.

[Bcol]

Brill news, good all round.

[Grammy80]

I liked your post because I'm so happy you got the help you needed, so glad. I too take Actemra and know that my taper would not be going as well without it. Stay the course and obviously...stay with the forum!! My best to you.💕

[Maisiek]

All the best xx

[autumnlass]

💐 Very happy that you were promptly treated and doing well.

[winfong]

That a way! So glad for you

[Sharitone]

Well done! I also take Actemra. A little envious that you can get it so quickly in the US, without having to prove multiple times that you need it, like you do here. Hope the reducing works for you!