Follow up from GSA or not post

[Jlml]

Good evening ladies,

Just a quick update from my previous post.

My doctor sent me up to eye a&e yesterday . Had lots of tests and after a long 5 hours the doctor said due to my PMR back ground it is likely to be GCA.

My rheumatologist rang today to say she is booking me in for an urgent scan as this will show any PMR or GCA and she will know for sure what she is treating.

Meanwhile I am on 60mg per day ( max 3 weeks) until results of scan.

Any advice on how to manage these few weeks or side effects. I am particularly worried about diabetes as I am already pre-diabetic from my previous course.

Thank you for your support x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hard luck - but it happens.

Cut your carbs drastically if you haven't already done so. It will help with the blood sugar levels and potential weight gain. Anything else I'll leave for the people who've had GCA,

For knowing what to eat or not I like this website:

dietdoctor.com/low-carb/foods

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As I said in previous post you may feel full of energy which may lead to insomnia, and feeling restless. as well as mood changes.

Could also be more susceptible to minor infections - not a lot you can do about them except see doctor asap.

You may find you get through without any issues , but if you do have some, then you have to remember the high doses are protecting your sight.

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

I note that poor Jlml's rheumie is another one who was standing behind the door the day they talked about high dose pred's effect on scans! Renders them mostly useless.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

Doesn't have to be that high either! I imagine if it is really bad, bad enough to cause severe symptoms it will show, but you can't be sure it isn't active if the patient is on any pred.

[Jlml in reply to PMRpro]

I suppose the ideal situation is to have a scan straightaway but unfortunately our NHS is over whelmed ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jlml]

Even pre-Covid a PET-CT was difficult because cancer patients got priority. The fast track set-up should provide a U/S scan or TAB within a couple of days - but it is very patchy and depends on the GP to recognise the possibility

[Jlml in reply to LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

it’s so difficult and confusing but I suppose being on high pred for 3 weeks will help to dampen it down.

[HeronNS]

A tip from my dietitian daughter - when you do consume carbs (some veggies have carb, even if you give up grains and sugar for the time being) eat some protein at the same time. It's supposed to regulate the sugar level somehow. I think fibre, fats and protein all help to slow down absorption of carbs, thus keeping blood sugar more stable.

[Jlml in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you x