Increasing Prednisone to 40 mg?

[Moaningxcat]

My GP has suggested that I increase my prednisone from 35 mg to 40 mg before my first rheumatologist appointment on May 16. Her suggestion was in response to pain in my right temple and scalp tingling. I don’t have a lot of faith in this GP as she is uncommunicative with no rapport. I was under the care of my previous GP for over 30 years, but she has retired.

My current symptoms are very heavy/weak legs, weakness in arms, very fatigued, some pain in right temple. I had a troublesome cough and that has resolved. Unfortunately, the heaviness on my chest has increased.

For better or worse, I have been searching for various diagnoses, since my GCA biopsy was negative. I do realize this does not totally rule out GCA. I have come across Takayasu arteritis as a possible diagnosis.

I value your thoughts and opinions. Thank you for being there.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

TA is practically the same as LVV/GCA - but you are above the age they would usually look for a TA diagnosis. There are some additional criteria for the TA diagnosis, organ involvement. But you can try offering it to a rheumy and see what they say.

[Moaningxcat in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. Any thoughts on increasing prednisone from 35 to 40?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Moaningxcat]

Under the circumstances probably not a bad idea. That GP may not have charisma but sometimes that replaces ability ...

[Moaningxcat in reply to PMRpro]

Very good point! I guess I’m missing my old GP though…

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

see this re TAK or GCA -

reumatologiaclinica.org/en-....

As you are still having issues then I’d opt for increase to 40mg… and well done to GP for suggestion.

[Moaningxcat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the link to article. Very helpful. Also, thank you for your opinion regarding prednisone dosage. Gives me a bit more confidence in my GP as well!

[Grammy80]

I'm glad this GP decided to be on the safe side. You are being protected while they try to refine a diagnosis, and you get to the specialist. So glad...💞

[Moaningxcat in reply to Grammy80]

I feel the same! Thank you!