Blood test looming!!

[piggypink]

When I saw my rheumy in August we agreed that I would continue to reduce my preds by 0.5mgs every 2 weeks until I got down to 3mgs, which I will by Monday next week, without any side effects, I am very pleased to say.

I have an appointment with her on Thursday 19th January when I think she will send/organise for me to have the blood test to found out if my adrenlin system is/isn't working.

Any thoughts about this will be much appreciated as I am hoping that I can eventually come off the preds permanent, after 4 years, as they think my GCA has receded. Fingers and everything else crossed!!!

Best wishes and a belated happy new year to you all and many thanks for all your support xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you have a cortisol test, it will only show IF your adrenals are capable of working, but not necessarily how well… and even when you are off Pred completely it can anything up to 12 months for adrenals to be fully functioning.

As for whether your GCA is in remission, no one will know for sure until you have been off the Pred for a few months with no return of symptoms….and 3mg can be significant in controlling symptoms.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Even 1mg can be plenty to manage a low level of inflammation - take it away and it can build up.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

True -and we know that -but many (including doctors ) don’t seem to….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I have met the odd one who does ...

[piggypink in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I'll bear that in mind when I see the rheumy on Thursday