I saw my rheumatologist for my 6 monthly review on the 29 July. In the 6 months I had managed to reduce my Pred dose to 3mg without any issues and feeling good and happy with everything.
My only concern was a worsening right only shoulder pain. I attributed this to the fact that we had just returned from 10 weeks touring Spain in our Caravan. I mentioned this to my rheumatologist at the appointment, she examined me. At that time I could barely raise my arm above my waist. She was visibly concerned, but didn’t believe it to be PMR related. She organised a X-ray and blood tests, and prescribed Naproxen for the pain. She rang me with the results. No concerns bloods markers all good, and normal age related shoulder deterioration. Asked if pain and movement had improved. I said no. She said she would arrange for an Ultrasound Scan. The Scan is on the 19 th September.
In the meantime I have seen my Ophthalmologist for my 6 monthly review regarding Glaucoma. No ,issue's, found continue with current eye drops. This obviously put my mind at ease regarding GCA and sight loss. The Naproxen has had no effect on my shoulder pain. Sleeping has become difficult because of pain. 3 weeks ago I decided to up my Pred to 8mg. This immediately improved movement and pain. Pain now is more in neck area very much worse in morning. It eases once I have taken the 8 mg of Pred. I am also getting intermittent pulsating pain in my head behind my right ear. I am loath to do anything more until Scan. Will an ultrasound scan detect any GCA concerns?. Am I just being paranoid?
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Naibor
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Well, the Pred being effective and the Naproxen not is a bit suspicious. You should mention the head pain too. An irritated nerve can cause pulsing pain and if you have a stiff neck, it might be related if it is mechanical musculoskeletal in origin. A trip on the road is a prime risk activity for mechanical neck issues. Have a read of this to see if it rings any bells. It regards the sternokleidomastoid muscle which, if tight and cause all sorts of GCA-like symptoms. This is an area to make sure you do good ‘house keeping’ as it helps prevent worry and blind alleys for doctors.
No doubt they won’t do anything until results come through but if it worsens do shout up. If your u/s is for the shoulder then it won’t be useful for the head pains if they are caused by GCA. This is a specialist u/s done by someone with specific training.
Your reply is appreciated and the link regarding SCM. I will certainly try the exercises. I think possibly I am worrying too much. What is really spooking me is any loss of vision. Being diagnosed with Glaucoma last year, and having to inform DVLA was a shock. Loosing my license would really effect our current lives.
I totally agree with SnazzyD. One thing, it is not a good idea to take Naproxen with steroids as it may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation. You should always take something like omeprazole or lansoprazole, to protect your stomach if you need to take Naproxen for a short time.
Morning Naibor,I got panicky a few weeks ago and had to contact DL and PMRpro,as I had similar pains to yours,neck,head etc.Long story short,probably not a GCA flare,bloods back as “ normal”.I have a bony spur on shoulder which can give neck,head pains,and it sometimes makes my temple and eye hurt.Trip to Dr on the cards to get this confirmed.Wishing you well,x🌼
Hi Scottish guy,well I don’t know for sure but when I spoke to my Rheumy last week and told him could the pains be related to my bone spur he said” could well be” .I also get more pain when I lean forward.Which is why I will be seeing dr in a couple of weeks.But NO WAY am I saying that pains that could be GCA related be ignored ,do not want to lull anybody into false ideas.Trouble is that when someone has GCA and these things crop up,it does send us into a bit of a spin.Not a lot that can be done for bones spurs that would be completely effective or render us pain free ,I just want to know to put my stress head to rest!Good luck to you.x🌼😜
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