Vasculitis

[Devonspinner]

Had PMR on and off for 7 years. By beginning of May this year, I thought it had gone and was completely off prednisolone.Then I started to have upset bowel.

Beginning of Sept went to GP who referred me to hospital.

Had CT scan.

Saw colorectal surgeon who said that my lower bowel was inflamed as were the arteries around my heart so referred me to rheumatologist.

Had blood test. CRP 70, PV 2.8.

Apparently it was 65 when I originally saw my GP but he didn't inform me.

Rheumatologist says that I have large vessel vasculitis.

My PMR symptoms ( shoulders and hips aching) could be down to being in my 70s and gardening.

My question is , Is vasculitis a different disease to polymyalgia?

I am having a PET scan this friday and a gastroscopy and colonoscopy Dec 9 th

Thankyou

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Oh that’s a pain - literally and metaphorically!

It’s on the same spectrum - like GCA - of which it is one version - there is cranial GCA [sometimes called Temporal Arteritis] which affects head/neck/shoulders - and extra cranial GCA or LVV which affects torso mainly - all treated similarly- but GCA/LVV involves higher doses of Pred than PMR

Some info from the FAQs - and a picture to show cross-over in second link…

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to DorsetLady]

Also see this

GCA PMR etc

[piglette]

It sounds like you are in good hands. Also it is good news that you are getting a PET scan, they seem to be like hens’ teeth! Yes, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a type of vasculitis, PMR is closely related to giant cell arteritis (GCA), Hopefully the rheumatologist will sort things out for you.

[Devonspinner]

Thankyou so much for your help. After having thought I had conquered PMR, I am now like a rabbit in the headlights

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Devonspinner]

Stick with us then… 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is part of a spectrum - PMR at one end, GCA at the other and LVV occupying a space in between.

[Olympian]

Not an expert but I think so.