More Advice

[Tamla1964]

I have already received some reassurance from our wonderful advisors on this subject. I tapered too speedy and was put back on the right track. However, I still have a very tender area just above the right cheek bone. The skin feels sensitive and I have to be careful not to agitate the area. It is most bothersome when resting head on pillow. The same area on the left side is sensitive but not painful. I can only sleep on my right side but the ache does not prevent me from sleeping. It doesn’t seem to be getting worse. I have no other symptoms of GCA. I don’t know what to do and worry that I’m neglecting something that could be a symptom of worse things to come. I returned to 10mg a month ago and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced the same.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Doesn’t sound typically GCA [although I’d never rule anything out completely] - and I’m guessing you don’t have any of the usual issues when eating [jaw claudication].

I think I’d be looking into TMJ/TMD issues - have you discussed with a dentist [or is that a silly question where you live?]

Couple of links -

nhs.uk/conditions/temporoma...

webmd.com/oral-health/tempo...

[Tamla1964 in reply to DorsetLady]

Highly unlikely anything to do with teeth. Not many left! This might sound ridiculous. I had a very stressful occupation and around 2000 I went through a particularly bad time and developed Bells Palsey. Since then and way before PMR I periodically get small areas on my scalp of pains/sensitivity similar to that now in my face. But these do not last more than a few day unlike now. I have read that shingles can be present without a rash. I have, for many years wondered if the varicella zoster virus is bouncing around my body and decides to appear at times of stress like now with PMR.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Tamla1964]

Bell’s Palsey - not at all ridiculous- could be that - my late hubby had it many moons ago, but cannot recall him having issues like you mention. But looking it up, it does seem that it is not that uncommon to have minor problems.

As for shingles, if you had chicken pox as a child then the virus is still in your body.

Both could cause a reaction if you are under stress. Have you tried either upping your Pred slightly or taking painkillers when this occurs to see if either make any difference.

[Tamla1964 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your opinion. I’ll try upping the dose. Looks like another trip to the GP. Just wanted your opinion first.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Tamla1964]

Hope you get it sorted…