Biopsy now arranged for 30 November (my birthday!).

GP rang me on Thursday - calcium levels a bit high - had to go for a further blood test today - is this anything I should be worried about? Preds now at 10mg.

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Hi Margaret,

as you don't know the reason for the raised level of calcium - try not to worry. You are being well taken care of now, so fingers crossed, all will be well. Well done on getting down to 10mg. Those nasties should soon start to go away.

Bad luck about the biopsy clashing with your birthday, but look on the bright side - it could be good news.

My next visit to my rheumy is on my birthday too. Just before Christmas.

Pats.

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Thanks Pat

As usual you have reassured me - not too bothered about the biopsy as the consultant is the one you did my cataracts - lovely man. Yes I seem to be very well looked after now - just hope a firm diagnosis can be made. Seemed to be coping with the reduction in Preds ok although I have had a few twinges today (headache) but I am under stress at the moment so it could be that - will go and chill out see if that helps.

Thanks again Pats

[hannmorr]

Hi

When I had high blood calcium levels I was eventually diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism...the tiny parathyroid glands are behind the thyroid gland and one or two of them may malfunction...I had surgery to remove the bad one and felt heaps better after the problem was resolved. Best of luck in getting a diagnosis. They have to test your blood for another hormone called PTH and if is is low and the calcium high it usually confirms the parathyroid diagnosis. Good luck.

[steph1]

Hi good luck for thursday and try and have a happy birthday x

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Thanks Steph - actually it is Friday but your support will help. Went to the Local Support Group meeting last week where we had a talk by the Rheumy and Opthalmologist who queried why I was having the biopsy as I am on steroids and they will mask the result. But what the hell nothing else to do on my birthday and I am just following orders. You never know they might find something and at least I am being seen by someone. Hope you are keeping okay.

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Hi Margaret,

I too have to have blood tests for inflammation. I am on 10mg too. I know now that they will not find any - they never have, but, hey ho here we go!

I feel the same as you - what else is there to do on MY birthday!!!!!! I'll no doubt argue with my rheumy for a treat.

Her registrar, on my last visit said he thought that my PMR must be almost cured as I am approaching the 2 year mark, and that the pain I now have is due to osteo arthritis. He paid little attention to what I was saying, I guessed he had read the pamphlet the give us when we first get these ghastly illnesses.

After communing with you lads and lasses on this site for at least 7 months I think I probably know something about our conditions. I have had PMR for 23 months, with one bad flare a year ago. I feel that a year ago I went back to square 1, and actually I am now approaching the end of the first year for the second time.

Pats.