Hello Everyone
I do hope you can help. I'm writing on behalf of a friend with PMR (and possibly the giant cell condition) who was taken off steroids after 18 months, only to have his symptoms reappear as bad as ever. When he asked to be re-started on steroids, a GP in the practice wanted to prescribe only 1mg daily, and he had to fight to get 3mg. He asked about referrals to a specialist, but was told that, because it was such a common condition, people were not referred to a consultant. After reading more on the internet, and visiting this site, we now know that he was mis-informed.
He lives in the Lancaster/ Kendal area, but is prepared to travel for an appointment with a good Rheumatology Consultant - does anyone have any experience of hospitals and consultants in the NW of England?
Thanks
Viv
Viv2
If, as you say, GCA is a possibility, there is not time to delay. If your friends sight is damaged in anyway, it is not retrievable.
Go to the nearest A&E and ask to see the Consultant on Duty, tell them about the GCA and what has happened.
To be armed with info - download the BSR guidelines Issued June 2009, from www.pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk or from the BSR website, or from the NHS website.
Alternatively you could Google your nearest large hospita; follow the links to the Rheumatology Department - then contact one of the Secretary's and ask which one specialises in PMR and GCA. Then contact him. But nothing will happen till Monday with that course of action.
You could also try an NHS walk-in centre, but go armed with the info. GCA is about 1 in 50,000 so its not common.
I never ssem to get over the shock of the way some people are treated by their Doctors !!! I as other people on the site will know have PMR for the second time after being free of it for at least 3 years My Dorcotr ordered blood tests when it reappeard and said as I had had the illness confirmed by a Reumatologist previously ( even though bloods were only low) she had to immediately start me on 20 mg as before as you have to hit it hard or GCA could take over As my reduction programme hasnt worked out as last time she said she will refer me again if it doesent improve and this should be normal for everyone !! As the others have said print off the guide lines and get an appointment ASAP U think the article in the Daily Mail a couplke of weeks ago said it all as to how close the 55 year old was to losing her sight Best wishes to your friend
Many thanks for your advice, Mrs K and Mrs G:
I've printed out the BSR guidelines for my friend, and he will phone local hospitals to find out about rheumatologist's specialisms. His GP appointment is on Tuesday. I checked with him and it seems to be his PMR symptoms that have returned, rather than the (possibly) GCA ones - that was never formally diagnosed.
Thanks again!
Viv