Flare following anaesthetic

[Caloo650]

I was first diagnosed with GCA and PMR quickly followed. I have had no GCA symptoms after starting prednisone but a few flares of PMR as I've tapered down to 2.5. I have been on prednisone for 4.5 years.2 weeks ago I had a colonoscopy and ever since I've had a headache behind my eyes, the right in particular and a sensitive scalp. Is this GCA raising its ugly head.? The headache is always worse at night as I remember it at the beginning.

Today I upped my pred to 10mg. It seems good but I haven't been to bed yet.

Could an anaesthetic bring this on?

[123-go]

Hi. I’m afraid I can’t answer your question with any sound knowledge but I’ve done a quick search online and doubt that after effects from the colonoscopy would last for two weeks but never say never as there are always exceptions to the rule. The preparation you took pre-op can cause side effects as could anaesthetic but again I’m not sure you would still be suffering. The most logical thing to do is to get on to the hospital that performed your procedure and ask their advice. Your GP should also be able advise.

As you you have previously been diagnosed with GCA you should get in touch with your rheumatologist first thing in the morning as the headaches can certainly be a flare and if that is the case I wouldn’t guess at suitable Pred increase. My opinion and others with more experience will advise although you may not see replies till ‘your morning’. Let us know how things go.

[Caloo650 in reply to 123-go]

Thank you for your quick reply. Unfortunately this is a bad time of the year. My GP is away until 6th January and I threw in my rheumie year ago. I will go to the hospital if it gets worse. At the moment it's a dull ache and a paracetamol gets me through the night.

[123-go in reply to Caloo650]

Oh! Just be aware of any increase in and/or continuation of symptoms: I don’t have to remind you that your sight is precious. Take care.

[Caloo650 in reply to 123-go]

Yes thanks. I am watching it carefully

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

The procedure itself may have caused a flare - so you’ll need to see how the increased dose works… give it a few days….but you do need to discuss. As you cannot speak to GP and with no Rheumy that probably means a trip to ED…. But as you know with GCA you cannot mess about.

Please keep us informed.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Surely the GP hasn't gone away for THREE weeks without having a locum in place?

It's difficult to say if it could be the anaesthetic or the procedure - or the time of year, the dose or all put together! But plenty to add together ...

[Caloo650 in reply to PMRpro]

The timing links it to the procedure but as you say could just have happened anyway. It's usually PMR that flares when prednisone is low but not this time or maybe it's not even GCA. I'll ring the practice tomorrow but it's only one GP I usually see. He's all read up on PMR on my advice after I ditched rheumie. Thank you to you for always being there for us all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Caloo650]

Fair enough. If it was a general anaesthetic it is possible they moved you about in strange ways. Since GA is unusual for colonoscopy in Europe I don't know much about it - do they use an airway? That could put your neck in funny positions. Just looked - the alternatives are deep sedation, no breathing tube, and GA where there is a breathing tube. Do you know which you had?

[Caloo650 in reply to PMRpro]

No I don't. I did have something clamped over my face. I had an endoscopy at the same time. I forgot to mention that as I was blaming the GA so goodness knows what they did.

[abby78]

I dont think it would be unusual to have some sort of flare or reaction after anesthesia. I had to have a kidney stone blasted and then a colonoscopy within a short period. It caused my blood pressure to start spiking even on my usual medications. i hope you can get some answers and start feeling better soon.

[Caloo650 in reply to abby78]

I'm only feeling a slight headache now when I wake up but I'm sticking to 10mg for a week or two