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[Bummed24]

Last week I posted about receiving a PMR diagnosis in December and had ongoing low level headaches and fevers along with my rheumatologist recommending a drop of Pred from 20 mg to ten over two weeks. Last weekend I developed increased scalp tenderness, and increased neck and shoulder pain, so increased my dosage to 50 mg. over the past week. My CRP jumped to 49.5. Sed rate dropped to 30. Yesterday I saw a New rheumatologist who felt my symptoms ( continued low level headaches, fevers of 100.5 occasionally, and mild night sweats) don't clearly indicate GCA, but prefers to treat, because of possible bad outcomes if it is GCA. My head CT was negative .He says to consider Actemra infusions so I can reduce my Prednisone. Yesterday my CRP dropped to 6.5, and sed rate to 6.

Your thoughts. I value your knowledge and experiences. Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All sounds very PMR progressing to GCA - and he is quite right about better safe than sorry. If you get reimbursement for Actemra - why not? Unless you already have problems with diverticulitis?

[Bummed24 in reply to PMRpro]

No, no problems Fingers crossed.

[scottygirl73]

Hi i have been in Actemra for couple years now,off steroids to.I only had little bit of problem at start itchy throat gave me antihistamine befire infusion twice then all good.It has made big difference to my life.Good luck xx