I've had PMR for nearly three years, diagnosed February 2011. It isn't easy, it isn't nice, but life could be so much worse so like everyone else I cope but I think I made a mistake recently. About four months ago I tried to reduce to 3 or 4 mg daily,.... bad move. The aches came back, couldn't lift my arms above my head, get out of a chair easily etc. etc. I moved back slowly to 10mg daily, feeling better, but now I'm concerned that I may have the onset of GCA. I don't feel too bad, occasionally slight soreness over my temples, slight headache, not all of the time, I think I may be panicking. I have a blood test due on the 2nd of January and a doctor's appointment on the 6th. Is it wise to 'up' my dose, just in case, prior to seeing the doctor. The thought of eye problems is very scary, but has I said earlier I don't want to panic. Help!
Ooops, Title should have read "Should I up my dose"
If you feel reasonably well and the headache is just occasional just keep an eye on it. It is Christmas, you are no doubt doing more than is good for you and it is just a few days to your blood test. If the things you are complaining about get worse or, above all, if you get any visual symptoms, then maybe up the dose but I really think at the moment you can wait. If you up the dose and it was a real flare you will have hidden it and the GP will probably go pooh-pooh and tell you off. If things get worse over the holidays then go to A&E - ringing 111 beforehand might be a good idea, it could save a wait as A&E depts are snowed under.
If you ever have a flare again don't move up slowly - add 5mg to the dose you are on when the flare appears straight away. Creeping up the dose rarely works, it is far better to clamp down on it quickly and control the inflammation.
Keep in touch on here - someone will be around. Generally you will also feel unwell with GCA, if you said the temple pain was constant and the headache was bad I would say preferably go to A&E although in need - up the dose. Have you got plenty of pred? Does the pain improve with a couple of paracetamol? Have you tried that?
Eileen
Thank you so much for replying so promply Eileen, you have pretty much confirmed what I thought, wait until my blood test unless the symptons are such that they cannot be ingnored. I have plenty of Pred, and the pain is so vague that I hadn't really thought about Paracetomal. I shall definitely keep in touch and let you know what happens, which hopefully will be nothing.