is this pmr

[CavalierKC3]

diagnosed GCA last august. Started on 50 mg Prednisolone now down to 7. Am getting terrible pain etc in knees & thighs, can barely walk at times. Dr prescribed gel to rub on but does no good, also co codamol doesn’t help much

[SnazzyD]

Hello, that’s quite a fast reduction for your first year with GCA. At what dose did these symptoms start? Has your doctor ruled out PMR? It’s a close relative of GCA.

[CavalierKC3 in reply to SnazzyD]

Am under Dr Muktyar at NORFOLK & Norwich hospital. He is supposed to be a leading light for GCA. This is how he tapers.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to CavalierKC3]

Ah yes, if you aren't off pred in 2 years it is your fault! I thought he'd rowed back on that a bit. Prominent he may be - but he is a bit intransigent. Unfortunately YOUR GCA/PMR hasn't been listening to his dictates has it!

Anyway - he claims you have constant access to the rheumy team nurse when you have problems and you have problems so get hold of her. I'd say that you have PMR as part of your GCA - like 40-60% of patients. Ordinary pain killers don't have any effect on PMR pain, just adequate pred.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Quite likely….you may have had PMR all along but at higher doses under control . Now you are down to single figures it’s not. Very fast taper though…

Surprised your doctor didn’t consider that. …or maybe not 🤔.

Perhaps try an increase in Pred - say 10mg and see if it makes a difference. …

[CavalierKC3 in reply to DorsetLady]

I am u Der Dr Muktyar at NORFOLK & Norwich hospital. Rheumatologist. He is supposed to be a prominent person for GCA. That is how he tapers

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to CavalierKC3]

It may be, but i doubt it works for every patient - and I am still surprised he didn’t consider PMR …

[PMRfacebook]

I agree I'd go back up to 10 for a while and see if it makes a difference . Also agree with others you should speak to nurse. Life is too short to be in pain - it's your body abs very few people get of steroids within the two years - it's a myth and not at all helpful to those suffering with these diseases