I have had GCA for two years, starting at. 40mg pred, now reduced to 5mg. For the last two weeks I have had increasing pains in my hips and upper back, especially in the morning. Also, I find I am waking in the night with pain as well. Could this be related? There is a long waiting list to see my GP - up to three weeks and I do not want to be seen as a "moaner" by asking for an emergency appointment. Any ideas??
Thanks
Hello Doreen, I don't think you will be classed as a moaner if asking for an emergency appointment. If you are now developing polymyalgia you may need to up the pred to stop the inflammation quickly. Good luck getting an appointment. Kay
Hello Doreen, I don't want to be seen as a moaner! You are being treated for GCA and have now developed symptoms that could could be PMR related. Even if they aren't you are entitled to visit your Dr when you feel unwell, so that is now!
i would book an emergency appointment, that by the way are not emergency appointments, they are merely appointments that gp's hold back for anyone who has a medical problem that is not foreseen, that is you.
book one of these appointments and explain all your new symptoms, hopefully they will order some blood tests to help determine what could be wrong. I wish you all the best, christina
Hi Doreen, could well be a flare. Try going up to the dose where you were last painfree, if the pain reduces within a few days, there's the answer. Stay on that level for a couple of weeks, then try reducing again. Incidentally what reductions are you making? Once you get below 10mg it gets more difficult. Remember the "not more than 10% reduction " message.
If the pains don't go away with the increase of steroids, then you will have to think again, and speak to GP.
If in doubt - look after yourself. I would certainly ask for an emergency appointment - GCA & PMR are not illnesses you can just ignore.
Good luck!
C. 💐
It is quite possible that you have had PMR along with GCA and whilst on higher doses for GCA the PMR has been well managed.
Now you are on 5mg, it is possible that that is not enough to control the PMR side.
A GP appointment is called for now and not later.
Doreen, as the others have said, an emergency appointment is a must! If this is PMR, the sooner you get on top of it with an increased dose of Pred, the better - you might even just find that an increase back to 10mg will be sufficient at this stage.
Also, if you haven't had one, do ask for a Vit D blood test as any deficiency can cause pain in the body similar to that of PMR. Any deficiency can be easily treated with a high dose course of pure Vit D3 (Colecalciferol).
Good luck and do let us know how you get on.
Swift pain management is important to shorten the duration of pain. Waiting is not option under the conditions you are describing and a good doctor will promptly respond to your call for help. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.