Hi, currently in Dominican Republic. PMR symptoms have been really good for the first week. However, this week I have noticed a slight increase in pain in fingers and wrists. Nothing that I would consider increasing my steroids for. However,I had a really horrible experience earlier that has left me feeling really worried and hence, my posting here. I got up from sitting down and became extremely dizzy. This is nothing uncommon and I have had this for years(BP normal). When I put my head back to look at something on the ceiling I became extremely dizzy and unsteady on my feet. I got pain over right side of my head and my vision in my right eye went really funny with a big black area. I felt very slightly nauseous. It didn’t last long-less than a minute. However, following thisI then had visual disturbances in the same eye (rather like I had stared at the Sun too long-which I often get with migraines). I had taken two paracetamol a slight headache and after resting for awhile with my eyes shut, my vision normal.My question is this: I’m due to fly back to the UK tomorrow and I’m wondering if I should increase my steroids in case this is a symptom of GCA?? Currently taking 12.5 mg. I would be grateful forany advice from our experts. Many .
? GCA: Hi, currently in Dominican Republic. PMR... - PMRGCAuk
? GCA
Might be sensible to take 20mg for a few days … and get things checked as soon as possible once you get back home.
Please keep us informed on your situation- and have a stress free flight [well as stress free as possible]…
thank you DL-that was my thought, but just wanted to check from one of you experts. Thank you so much for your speedy reply.
One more question: how long would you stay on 20 mg? Assuming all is well when I get home?
I’d give it 2 or 3 days at least once home… if no further issues then drop back to previous dose. But you still need to get it checked out -whether GCA or not..
Thanks so much, DL . I’m seeing Professor Hughes on the 24th. I’m inclined to wait to see him, but will of course escalate before then if I have any further issues. Do you think that sounds like a safe plan?
You can stay on the increase dose for up to 14 days without impacting on drop back down- but if it were me I’d be inclined to email him next week just to let him know what’s happened and ask for advice.
that’s very helpful-thank you again. I will do just that.
So just to update you. I returned home safe and sound from the Dominican, without issue (thank God). Stayed on increased pred dose and contacted my GP. He referred me to the hospital for urgent review. Bloods normal, routine CT of head normal. I score low on the GCA symptom score, but they are treating me as GCA until I have biopsy and USS. So now up to 40mg of prednisolone 😩 for the time being. Will let you know the outcome. Thanks for your advice.
Good start - let us know what happens next,
You’re welcome, and as PMRpro says keep us updated please
Will do 🥰
You have NO other symptoms that could be a stroke? Slurred speech, weakness on either side of face or limbs?
It could have been due to GCA starting to manifest or it may be a TIA or mini-stroke. If all the symptoms have resolved the latter is not impossible. But if you have any other signs or symptoms before going to the airport, I think you should seek medical advice. Does your holiday insurance cover medical repatriation? Sorry - but it has to be considered.
And head for medical advice as soon as you get home!
no other symptoms at all. I think I’m going to do what DL has suggested an increase my steroids to 20 mg. Thank you so much for the speedy reply.
Sorry PMRpro I just re-read your message and yes, my insurance does cover repatriation. Hoping not to need it 🙏🤞
What about a problem with the atlanto-axial joint C1 C2?. Since Tappo said the visual disturbances were worse after looking up at the ceiling it kade me wonder? I was always taught that older people should avoid doing this but can't find any 21st century references!
Older people??? I’m a fit 63 year old!! 😂🤣😆.
Never can find anything when you need it!!
I would if it were me, particularly as the effect of low cabin pressure and less oxygen and a long haul flight might not help matters if it is GCA.
Maybe have a B/p check too before you fly?
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