I think I Might Have PMRGCA. Worried

[priss58]

I'm being treated for Inflammatory Arthritis which I've had since 1997. Successfully on Biologics for many years until a move up country meant I was in limbo for over 4 years. I was given leflunomide which I recently stopped, didn't like it but in the last couple of weeks I've had these symptoms which are driving me nuts: pain in jaw, pain in temples, a couple of short migraines, pain in ears.I also have pain in hips, pain in lower abdomen left. I have also two worn discs in my neck, early cataracts, previous TMJ problems, we think. Now, I've had the ear pain and sore throat pain for over a year. ENT came up with nothing. The symptoms aren't constant, it comes and goes. I was was just googling around, found this, and now I'm a bit worried. I've got dental and eye appointments next month. If you're still reading this, can anyone relate? Thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You may have, and certainly some of the symptoms regarding head issues do sound like GCA, so you definitely require further investigation…and sooner rather than later.

Maybe have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

and please make an appointment to see GP, and bring the eye appointment forward. Or contact this emergency services for a check up -

primaryeyecare.co.uk/find-a...

..and if the pains gets stronger or you have an sight disturbances then get yourself to A&E /ED or contact

[priss58 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, DorsetLady.First port of call is the rheumy nurse, explain what's going on. I have soluble pred for my lichen planus, so I'm tempted to swallow some! I do need proper meds whatever is happening but I'll take your advice and see the optician sooner rather than later. And the GP x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to priss58]

Good - just for the record - DL said all I'd have said so won't repeat ...

[JAC1947]

Have you had blood tests to diagnose PMR? If not then get booked.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JAC1947]

The blood tests are not definitive though - they just show inflammation is present. And up to 20% of patients don't have raised markers at all.

[JAC1947 in reply to PMRpro]

so how is it actually diagnosed?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to JAC1947]

Combination of things including symptoms, tests to rule out other illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis etc, doctors knowledge, patients history, maybe a trial of steroids… which is why sometimes it takes a long time to get a diagnosis…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JAC1947]

It is a clinical diagnosis - history, signs, symptoms, to a small extent response to pred and raised inflammatory markers. But everything is just one brick in the wall of evidence. The nearest to definitive would be a PET-CT scan but they are expensive and difficult to access for a GP.

[JAC1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the info.