Any advice on GCA

[Olympian]

I was diagnosed with PMR in April 2020 started on 15 mgs of Prednisone have successfully tapered slowly and started on 2.5 mgs three weeks ago. Unfortunately I have recently developed symptoms which may indicate GCA a few headaches but particularly a dull ache on the left temple.It does come and go and not severe pain. I do have a telephone consultation with Dr this evening to discuss . Any advice from the group most welcome. I do know that GCA is difficult to diagnose.

[123-go]

Hello, Olympian. You've done well to get to 2.5mg Pred.

You may find the link below helpful as well as some of the questions/comments in "Related Posts" on the right of your screen. Ultrasound scan is useful in diagnosing temporal Arteritis if the hospital has the equipment.

vasculitis.org.uk/about-vas...

If your doctor is a GP and suspects GCA he should refer you urgently to a consultant rheumatologist for investigations including a hospital ophthalmologist.

Good luck with the appointment. Let us know how things go. 🤞🏼

[Olympian in reply to 123-go]

Many many thanks always so helpful will keep you posted

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Does sound a bit GCA like, but as we always say, GCA headaches are like no other and I would expect more severe pain and both sides.

Have they only occurred since you’ve reduced to 2.5mg? ..do you have any other symptoms and what did you reduce from?

But it certainly does need checking…please impress upon doctor -and let us know outcome of appointment.

[Olympian in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes only noticed as reduced from 3mgs pred to 2.5 3 weeks ago. I am having excellent service from my surgery and well within 24hours have spoken to a Dr increased my pred dose and have an urgent blood test booked all with a caring professional approach. Will keep you posted.

[Susan1705]

my pain was only ever in one side, it was a pain that was relentless and like nothing I had ever experienced before. I also had blurry vision in the one eye. High dose pred removed all symptoms. Diagnosed in June 21

[Olympian in reply to Susan1705]

Thanks Susan sounds similar to me. Prompt action from my surgery so have increased my pred dosage urgent blood test booked all dealt with within 24 hours。

[montebello]

My headaches were on one side, and bad. I also had significant weight loss, and quite a few GI issues. A temporal artery biopsy confirmed GCA, and I was put on 60 mg PRED immediately. Headaches went away immediately.

BTW, I almost did NOT go for a biopsy because my headaches went away with Tylenol, and GCA headaches are not supposed to go away with Tylenol. But thankfully a member of this forum messaged me to tell me that HER GCA headaches DID go away with Tylenol. Who knows, if it were not for her message I might be blind right now.

Best

[Olympian in reply to montebello]

Many thanks for your response and advice.My surgery have been vg so far and having urgent blood tests today at 2.15 so will know what we are dealing with very soon. Will keep you all posted.