GCA Flare: I was diagnosed with GCA in 2017 and... - PMRGCAuk

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GCA Flare

MichaelW profile image
9 Replies

I was diagnosed with GCA in 2017 and had managed to get down to 3 mg a day.

Recently I experienced a very stressful period due to non-related health issues.

I seem to be experiencing a flare with a number of my previous symptoms, resurfacing. In truth, I was probably slow in recognising the symptoms that have probably been going on for a number of weeks.

I decided at the beginning of this week to up my dose to 8 mg, but as of today, after seven days, I’m not feeling any improvement.

I haven’t had a recent blood test for ESR and CRP but in the past these haven’t always been raised when tested at the time of a flare although they were raised when first diagnosed.

I would really appreciate any views you might have

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MichaelW profile image
MichaelW
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9 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

You may need to give the raised dose a bit longer - you can stay at 14 days without jeopardy in the drop back down.

And what symptoms in particular - sometimes adrenals stuttering can give PMR like issues -including aching muscle and fatigue - see this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

MichaelW profile image
MichaelW in reply toDorsetLady

Thanks for the quick response.

I started to get a very red face in the morning, buzzing in the ears, numb lips, acid reflux and discomfort across my chest muscles. These are all symptoms I have not experienced since some while ago so I’m confident that these are related to a flare.

I’m convinced that my initial diagnosis in 2017 was initiated by a traumatic spell in A&E a few months previously and unfortunately I got very stressed at end of March of this year when a recurrence of the original medical emergency seem likely to be repeated (thankfully it didn’t)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toMichaelW

Were those part of your original symptoms before diagnosis?

They don’t sound typically GCA flare like to me -so I think I’d want further investigation especially as the increased dose doesn’t seem to have kicked in yet.

MichaelW profile image
MichaelW in reply toDorsetLady

My original symptoms were severe headache, stiff neck and tender scalp which improved significantly after 1 week of 40mg Prednisolone. As time has gone on the some or all of symptoms I’m now experiencing have developed as indicators to me of a flare. Previously they have cleared up by increasing dose by 5mg but it may be that I have been slow to react allowing the inflammation to develop. Will keep at 8mg for another week and then take stock

Thanks again for taking the time to respond

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toMichaelW

Okay -strange symptoms for most -but if you recognise them just monitor and please keep us informed.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Almost certainly the effect of the stress but they really aren't typical PMR/GCA symptoms so I agree with DL, needs looking at.

christine2715 profile image
christine2715

Sounds exactly like the flare i had recently with GCA. You ca.n get a special mopping up steroid injection which works wonderfully for 3 months. Not sure what its called, something like Depametone. 120mg. Have had it twice when i had a bad flare. Like you brought on by stress and just doing too much. Get well soon.

MichaelW profile image
MichaelW in reply tochristine2715

Thanks for your reply and good wishes. I think the injection is called Depo-Medrone. I will keep this in mind as a possible course of action if higher tablet dose doesn’t work out.

christine2715 profile image
christine2715

Further to my last post it does get you back on your feet

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