gp recommends her advice for every flare up

[Freshairfiend]

I spoke to my gp today after starting steroids two weeks ago for PMR. We discussed what to do if I have a flare up, especially when I’m tapering. She said I should contact her with any flare up, as I may need a blood test. I’ve read on the forum how you tend to manage your own dosages with flare ups. Is my gp being too cautious or have others had the same advice?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Really depends on GP, some are happier for you to deal with issues, but keep them informed along the way - and how experienced you are in dealing with your PMR. At only two weeks into treatment, I can fully inderstand your GP’s viewpoint.

Some doctors are more fixated on blood tests that others - symptoms should always be the key - whether in diagnosis, tapering or dealing with a flare. Bloods aren’t the be all and end all that some think. .. yes they can be useful, but they often lag behind symptoms and are only part of the decision making.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Those of us who manage our own doses have usually been on pred a longish time and are very familiar with our PMR/GCA and our body's response to both illness and pred. It is fine her saying she wants to see you every time - as long as she makes herself available for you to see her quickly. If you have to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment you could be well into a flare by then and it be harder to sort out. But over time she may well realise you have got the hang of looking after yourself.

[Koalajane]

hi, my GP left me on my own to deal with flares and doses after 6 months from diagnosis.

Her view was that I know my body better than h she does.

I do have an annual review if I want but we are happy to continue as we are

[Sharitone]

At this early stage you may well need her input, as at first, you may need to increase your dose to a higher one than has been prescribed.

[Broseley]

I'm under a rheumy and GP doesn't have anything to do with my PMR/GCA. I recently upped my dose by 5 mg to 6.5mg as I was getting increasingly stiff. I phoned the rheumatology help line and was told fine, but when I come back down to 2mg I said I was planning to do after 10 days I need to have a ESR/CRP test. If they are up again, then I'm to have a PET scan.