GCA Flare

[MichaelW]

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

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk 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 in reply to DorsetLady]

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 PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MichaelW]

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 in reply to DorsetLady]

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 PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MichaelW]

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

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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]

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 in reply to christine2715]

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]

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