Could this be PMR.?

[Jane-s]

I haven’t posted any thing for months but lately I’ve been feeling quite grim.

My GCA after about 3 years seems to be in remission and all seemed relatively well except for what my (sadly , retired) Gp described as my ‘knackered back’.

Now I have pain everywhere- hips, neck, elbows and ankles. Even a headache and earache

I know I must keep going at all cost so I walk but very slowly and not very far

I wonder if this could be PMR . I’d be so grateful for any thoughts

Hopefully, Jane-S

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

My GCA after about 3 years seems to be in remission..

How do you know? Have you got to zero - with no symptoms? That really the only sure way to know…

You don’t say in this post if you are still on Pred, and if so what dose… but your really symptoms do sound very PMR-ish plus a bit of GCA (headaches, earache). So to that end, you do need to discuss with your doctors, and as soon as possible.

[Jane-s in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much Dorset Lady

[Jane-s in reply to Jane-s]

I think I’m a bit out of synch here,! The rheumatologist discharged me as I had reduced the Pred down to zero. I’ll try to get a GP appointment on Monday, hopefully

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jane-s]

Yes, but just because you reached zero doesn’t mean your GCA is in full remission…not quite as simple as that.

..and your pains certainly sound suspicious - so please get them checked…and let us know how you get on.

[Jane-s in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset Lady; will do.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think it is in remission - you have all the signs of a flare. The head and earache say GCA to me, the rest says PMR as a symptoms of GCA.

If you have been off pred for a few months you will probably get away with a fairly low dose of pred. But if there is ANY disease activity at all, the inflammation it causes builds up until there is enough to cause symptoms. You need a short time at a sensible dose - 10 or 15 is probably plenty and then drop to 5mg and see how you get on.

[Jane-s in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR pro. Fingers crossed I’ll get a GP Appointment