GCA flare

[Reddev]

Diagnosed April 2018 with PMR. Three months later GCA. I am currently on 3mgs prednisolone. Over the last two days have scalp pain on right side only … no jaw pain. It feels a bit like I am getting a cold sore but no cold sore showing up. Could it be a GCA flare? Thank you to everyone who replies.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Really can’t say if it’s a flare or not, symptoms are a bit vague….. how long have you been at 3mg? Days or weeks?

This link contains advice on flares if that’s what it is -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Reddev in reply to DorsetLady]

Have been on 3mgs since July. Quite a long time. Was thinking of reducing to 2.5. But will stay on three I don’t think it’s a flare after reading the link as paracetamol helps. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Reddev]

If the paracetamol helps maybe give it a bit longer and see if things settle. Obviously if things get any worse, you have the info to deal with it…. 😊

[Reddev in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It COULD be shingles - have you had chicken pox in the past? Might be an idea to try for an GP appointment tomorrow.

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

My first thought too.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

Great minds and all that

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

I must admit I thought it could be shingles but I don’t have a rash or anything. I had chickenpox as a child.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reddev]

You may not have a rash right at the start - but always worth bearing in mind and seeing the GP quickly to get the antiviral medication which you do need right at the start.

[Reddev in reply to PMRpro]

I’ll try and get an appointment. Thank you.

[Wilson1952]

go to your doctor right away...my husband had that with a few spots on head they thought it was shingles..no testing .. it was GCA and within a couple of weeks he lost his sight in his second eye. Don''t take chances get it checked right away.

[Elvied]

Go to GP and have you inflammatory markers checked . If elevated probable GCA

[Reddev in reply to Elvied]

Probably too late increased my steroids for a few days just incase.

[Elvied]

maybe . Get to Gp for a blood test .

[Viveka]

I didn't have GCA symptom for a year then they reappeared for a week, then 99% disappeared apart from the odd scalp twinge. Rarely makes any sense. Just monitor the situation for now, I think.

[Reddev in reply to Viveka]

Thanks. I will.

[G-Jo]

Sounds like what I've had -- scalp problems on only one side, mine has been the left side only. Terribly itchy, but no rash or bumps, no head lice, just itching and some lumpiness for nearly a month. With occasional nausea, blurry vision at times, and pain on that side at times. Very strange, not like the GCA symptoms I had at first, which definitely included jaw pain and splitting headaches. Finally got into the Emergency Room of the hospital three days ago, and the doctor there said it's a GCA flare. I have been on 60 mg Pred. for 3 days now, and the itching is improving. I had GCA two years ago, medically poorly managed, and when I got down to 4,3,2 mg Pred. for the PMR, I think the dripping faucet started and just built up over time. In the ER, the doctor did ask if I'd had the new Shingles shot, and I had, so she dismissed that idea. But in your case, you have what feels like a cold sore, so it's really worth checking out, without waiting too long! Both Shingles and/or GCA is nothing to mess with! Best of luck to you, hope you get an answer and the Rx quickly!