more advice

[Tamla1964]

Since I was first diagnosed on 22.4.24 after reducing slowly from 12.5mg Pred to just 10 for the last month I reduced to 9mg 4 days ago. I thought things we ok but have felt a little feverish and have developed a numbness and ache on right cheekbone. Last Monday I was reviewed by my GP. She seemed happy with my progress and took blood for testing. The result was that my inflammatory markers are normal. WCC and Monocycle are slightly high which may signify a mild viral infection. None of this I understand but as she wants to review again in 3 months l assume that things are ok. I find it very hard to differentiate any new symptoms from my own natural condition. I’m quite low mentally. I don’t sleep well. I dread my PMA worsening. I have no other GCA symptoms just this numb area and stiffness in hands which have been apparent since the start. Just a little reassurance would be a great help.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Having PMR doesn't excuse you from having other things and what you are describing really doesn't sound GCA-ish at this stage. The white cells tend to rise when you are on pred too.

Just be aware of your body - and if things worsen, come back and ask questions again, we are always here. But you can't be in a panic about everything you feel or life will be awful.

If it is PMR and you are on pred, any sign of the PMR worsening is a sign you may have reduced the dose too far. Slow down - it isn't a race.

[Tamla1964 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. It’s just that when something new develops it is easy to connect it with what you already suffer.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Tamla1964]

It is, and sometimes you are right, But you have to be rational too.

[Fatsiajaponica]

Hi Tamla, also diagnosed in April 24 and having a a time of it, just back from the eye hospital as had a scare for GCA, improving. I think it is what many of us are afraid of with PMR. Just to say my sight was going in one eye so it was pretty obvious things weren't right. So, there will be people along to reassure you who have the expertise, I'm learning about all of this, guess we both are. Just seen PMRpro is here so I will leave this to he and wish you well.

[Tamla1964 in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

You have my sympathy. All of this just seems to be rotten luck and why pick on us!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

Ah yes - but you have a relevant experience that I haven't had.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As others have said, doesn’t sound very GCA ish to me and would say it’s PMR grumbling so maybe back to 10mg and see if that helps.

You did say that hands were part of your original symptoms -so think you have gone below the dose you need.

You did ask for link to my tapering plans in a previous post so maybe start employing that as well as reducing by 0.5mg a time as well.

There really is no rush..

[Tamla1964]

Thank you yet again.