I am being treated for GCA, but had a negative biopsy. I am now taking 40 mg of prednisone and will drop to 35 mg tomorrow. My first rheumatology appointment is May 16. I am in no pain but I am very fatigued and I continue to cough, especially when I speak, and have chest heaviness. My primary care physician is treating me for bacterial pneumonia based on a recent chest X-ray. I am currently taking antibiotics since Monday for 7 days. Has anyone experienced a cough/chest heaviness with GCA or other autoimmune conditions? Is it possible that my bronchi are inflamed? If so, it seems the prednisone would have calmed this by now.
Any thoughts are appreciated. This forum has been helpful to me. Thank you!