GCA & polymyalgia rheumatica

[Saintmalo]

I was diagnosed with GCA 8 years ago. All medical attention has been focussed on steroids & methotrexate etc. throughout. Now, at the age of 75 I am finding that the severe limiting effects of the polymyalgia is even more life limiting than GCA.

Has anyone else found this?

Is there any real help out there?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Suggests to me that you aren't on enough pred to manage the PMR symptoms - and yes, if you aren't, PMR can be worse than GCA. But do also bear in mind that being 75 is a bit different from being 67!

[Saintmalo in reply to PMRpro]

Point taken about the age! Have decreased from 60 to 5mg a day - with blips in between. Mobility and fatigue is now a serious issue

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Saintmalo]

The fatigue could well be adrenal insufficiency with the return of adrenal function lagging behind the reduction in pred. But mobility - almost certainly not enough pred to manage the stiffness and pain of PMR.

At what dose were you last good?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

What exactly do you mean by ‘severe limiting effects’?

As PMRpro has said, sounds as if you aren’t on enough Pred to control your PMR - and the real help is the correct dose. What are you on at the moment? … and a bit of info about what’s going on with your life might help us help you…