Hi all,
Just wondering if I could possibly have a return of GCA/pmr, I was doing really well and managed to stop all pred about 6 weeks ago having had no symptoms for months. Just lately I’ve had a few headaches , night sweats and now starting to get shoulder pain again, I’m very reluctant to start taking pred again but don’t want it to start all up again, should I phone my rheumatologist and make enquiries?
Very possible to have a return of PMR and/or GCA... and 6 weeks after taking last Pred is very often the time when the inflammation has had time to build up again.
The fact that you had no symptoms for months doesn't always indicate is gone, just that the small amount of Pred was enough to keep the lid on things. As is often quoted on here 0.5mg is very often all that is required to do that.
You may find a small dose - just a 1mg or two is enough to get back on track .... or a quick burst of 5mg for a week and then down to 1mg sorts it out.
Which is hopefully what rheumy will advise.
Thank you, sounds like a good idea
Yes. Six to 8 weeks is a common time for building up inflamation to start causing mild symptoms. We say repeatedly that that last 1mg, or even 1/2mg, is loads to keep the inflammation generated by very low disease activity under control - but zero pred is a step too far.
Thank you, just disappointed with myself, thought it was all over
it happens.😏..
Many people do - which is why DL and I can often be the party poopers on an "I'm done with pred" post when it is within a week or two of taking the last tablet!
It isn't YOUR fault so you shouldn't be disappointed with YOU - disappointed yes, but not with yourself.
Us “party poopers” -never! Realistic I would call us! 😊
Well yes - but I have been called the other!!!!
Return of PMR?
Duration of PMR/GCA
PMR/GCA or not
GCA/PMR
