Diagnosed with Polymyalgia early this year prescribed 20mg Pred. Down to 5mg but GCA scare and now on 40mg. Does anyone else have occasional slurring speech issues.? Tends to happen first thing after a shower. Walking a bit erratic but gym three times week helps.
I don't want to sound as if I am trying to scare you but I think you should speak to your doctor about it fairly soon. There is an increased risk of TIAs (mini-strokes) in the first year after diagnosis of GCA and anything affecting speech like that could be a sign of one. Especially since you say you find your walking is erratic too.
Don't know about speech but definitely have slurring legs !
Your advices, EileenH are precious and because of you I registered and since last Sunday night I've been here regularly! I am filling your schedule on the tapering of the Pred.
I am blessed as my GCA is under control and so far I keep going, probably because I obey instructions strictly and because it has been permitted to be that way.
I believe on the power of my positive thoughts, too!!
Thank you, EllenH!
Hey Arturo, I see my reply of hours ago didn't went throug so here I am to try it again!
Good to see your strength and determination on finding ways to go through your symptoms! Yes, exercise, too!
I have Temporal Arteritis ( GCA) and with the help of my specialist and because I follow a strict diet regarding sodium ,sweets and carbs, plus daily 25 min on the treadmill , things are going ok!
The advices we get here from EllenH are precious!
'Patient ' is a great site to visit regularly!
Keep being determined as you are!
Take good care of you.
Long may it last iellen! I'd noticed my nearly doppleganger!
Now there is a good description Christine - perfect!
hi I have been on pred since early nov started at 60 now down to 22.5 daily. I typing and speeling skill have gone down hill fast I have also developed someting like a stuter I have wondered if it has someto do with the way I use words to communicate. As i reduced the amount preds I take the problem seems to get worse as if it is rewiring my brain some form of Neuroplasticity. I have no problem walking I ride a bike in a velodrome twice a week without any issue
Hi, Arden, the answer given by 6EillenH minutes ago seems to me a great advice to whoever has slurring, or stutter speech issues.
The same way, her approach on the tapering of Pred is something for us who take it to consider.
Myself, I made a copy of the schedule she recommends.
To all I say- stay well!
hi
I would like to read that, but i can not seem to find it. would you mind seen it to me thanks
You will find it in the replies section of this thread:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-website-addresses-and-resources-35316
Since my note the GP and Rheum. have changed my dose from 20 down to 5 then after a flare to 10, then after concern at GCA to 40. Because walking especially in morning is so unstable they advised 70 but this made matters worse. Now 35 and aiming to gradually reduce. Is this walking problem common?
Most people with PMR have balance problems which obviously affects walking.
One group of ladies joined an AgeUK Nordic walking course - the use of the poles really helped their balance and allowed them to walk far more. One lady was using a zimmer frame at the beginning - but after about 6 months was able to walk distances without even the walking poles.
Why would you give a patient with instability problems such a high dose of pred? It is more likely to ADD to the problem!