GCA/Flare/Osteoarthritis

[Dancingqueen77]

I have been tapering preds over 7 weeks from 6mg to 5 1/2mg and in the last few weeks the pain in my neck osteoarthritis has been excruciating and mobility very restricted. Ive had neck problems for years long before GCA so it’s difficult to say what is causing what. I had a X-ray 2 years ago and they confirmed wear and tear. I phoned the hospital rheumatology dept. They have suggested I increase to 15mg for one week, which I am currently doing and then have a blood test. They will then look at CRP levels as well as other results. If all is well, I can then reduce down but they haven’t said to what or whether it’s in two stages. Can anyone throw any more light on this subject as I don’t want to yo yo on steroids when it’s not a GCA flare.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This link contains usual advice for dealing with a flare… although you will be slightly higher than normally recommended. So it might be sensible for you drop back down it 2 stages….first to 10mg for a week, and then to 6mg.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Mobility is restricted? Is that just around neck area, or do you have any other GCA symptoms?

Many find that as they get lower on Pred then OA pains resurface… so, like you, not sure it is a flare of GCA…

[Dancingqueen77 in reply to DorsetLady]

Restricted mobility applies to neck only (side to side, back and forward but shoulders have some discomfort but I can move them around. There is a slight tingling in the scalp but only sometimes. I will read the link thank you. I will also see what the rheumy says on Wednesday but I do feel you are right in coming down in two stages. Also I’m having a Covid booster next Saturday.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dancingqueen77]

Okay… let us know how you get on a please.

[Dancingqueen77 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank I will.

[Dancingqueen77 in reply to DorsetLady]

Just to follow up, My CRP has come down to 6 from 18. The Rheumy has said to reduce to 10mg from 15mg that I have been for the past week. So it’s to be 10mg for the next 3 weeks and then I have a follow up appointment on 21st October. Not quite the news I wanted as it looks like I will have to taper slowly from 10mg instead of reducing straight to 6 or 6 1/2mg.

Obviously, the pain in my neck (osteoarthritis) is being treated the same as a GCA flare.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Dancingqueen77]

Okay… well see how it goes… at the next appointment you might be able to negotiate a slightly quicker taper… but in all honesty it makes a change to hear a Rheumy be ultra cautious rather than rush you down.

[Dancingqueen77 in reply to DorsetLady]

I value your comments and I can see your point. So I feel happier about it now after the initial shock.

Thank you for your help.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

After only a week it shouldn't be too difficult to drop back down, even in a single step, But in two steps is fine too.