I'm writing to add a soft warning to be mindful. I was diagnosed with GCA in 2019 and finally got down to single digits this summer, I'm taking 5 mg per day plus Actemra. I'm only dropping .5 mg every six weeks.
It has been fairly smooth except the fatigue, I did nothing and was so, so tired! I had kind of slipped into accepting new discomforts because I was tapering andthe fact that my adrenal were probably still asleep.
My left arm and shoulder had been quite sore and then my arm got weaker. My GP couldn't see me so after a few days I went to the ER. A CT scan of my neck showed that my small thyroid nodule of 8 years ago had turned into a large mass, 4.8cm and was pressing on the trachea. Thankfully, it was benign~! My GP saw no reason to follow-up since it wasn't malignant....so I had a friend who is an oncologist refer me to a new GP. This led to a referral to an ENT man for ultimate removal of the mass only(not my thyroid) and a cardiac workup to make sure I was in shape for surgery. (Grammy80 is 82 now, so it matters.) My ECG was abnormal and the nuclear stress test showed restricted blood flow; now I'm being schedled for a heart catheterization and possible stent.
A few months ago I had written how I was 'coma-like' in my fatigue and some of you suggested I pursue the matter. I didn't. I'm very fortunate that my problems were found 'accidently' and not the hard way. We know we are not at our best when tapering, but if what you are experiencing seems a bit extreme...don't do as I did, get it checked out. I know I'll be fine; want to make sure all of you are too.ππ₯°
Written by
Grammy80
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
What a good thing that you're 'on the ball' Grammy. Your experience reminds us that if something feels that it's not right we should follow up. Love and best wishes π.
Excellent advice there Grammy, it's very easy to blame everything on our present medication and condition. Hope everything goes well with the stent etc. Lots of hugs.
Hope all goes wellβ¦& yes, not everything is cured by increasing pred!! My GP has found I have other problems & fears that heβs gone down the wrong route for 3 yearsβ¦but itβs an eleven months wait to see specialist, so will befour years down the wrong routeβ¦possibly! Please take great care, sending hugs, S xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.