GCA and Osteoporosis

[Hazeleyes48]

Hi

I was diagnosed with GCA a few months ago and been taking a high dose of steroids which I had just tapered down to 17.5mg.

I was sent for a Dexter scan over a week ago and my Rheumy rang me on Wednesday to say I had oesteoporosis which was a bit of a shock as I’m only 52. She also told me that my CPR levels were still high and sent me for more blood tests saying I couldn’t reduce my steroids until they got back.

To complicate things I have Barrett’s oesophagus and Crohn’s disease and the symptoms have got worse over the last couple of months, so my GP fast tracked me to the cancer pathway as my parents and grandfather died in their 50’s and early 60’s of oesophageal cancer. I have had lots of tests including an endoscopy with biopsies taken and a CT scan. The endoscopy showed I have an Hiatus Hernia now as well as the Barrett’s, am still waiting for the biopsy results.

I asked about the CT scan and she says there was no mass but I had a small aneurysm on my spleen but said it was nothing to worry about. She then rang me yesterday to say my CPR was extremely high and to now increase my steroids up to 40mg. The problem is she also said that the medication she wants to put me on for the osteoporosis can make my Barrett’s worse so needs to contact my gastroenterologist for advice .

I’m just a bit fed up of feeling poorly and exhausted. I work full time in the week but my weekends are spent resting and most nights I am in bed at 8pm. Does it get easier,?

[piglette]

Did you get the Dexascan results given to you?

[Hazeleyes48 in reply to piglette]

Hi not yet she just told me over the telephone.

[piglette in reply to Hazeleyes48]

It will be nice for you to know how bad it is.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The oral bisphosphonates are not suitable for you but the types given by infusion should be. There are also drugs given by injections.

The pred probably isn't helping your Barretts either.

[Hazeleyes48 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply. I think I was more upset that I have to increase my steroids again but it is what it is.

[Amkoffee]

I don'tdon't have Barrette syndrome but I struggle with other stomach problems and I too have osteoporosis. I've had 8 broken bones due to my osteoporosis. My rheumatologist put me on Prolia injections. I tried reclast once and it made me feel like I had the flu for a couple of days. This is a normal side effect so I told her not again. I have no problems with Prolia and since its an injection it doesn't bother my GI system. Another thought... Your inflammation markers could be Elevated for another reason. For example an infection such as a UTI can cause it to be elevated. I wonder if you have a UTI and don't know it. Apparently it is not uncommon for an older person to have a UTI without the typical burning pain or any symptoms for that matter.