For GCA, I just dropped from 40 to 30 msg of prednisone. Suddenly I thought I was having a heart attack. The righting pain on chest and back would not let up. We were told to go to the ER where after a second hour and medical help while hooked up to who knows, the pain began to ease. I am now on antacids and tums. Eileen, I think I dropped too many mgs. I love the super go slowly taper, no more than 10% drop. Now I have to convince my rheumy. Has anyone else had severe spasms? I did not know what was happening . Ann11195
Hello Ann
I also get such severe spasms in my chest that they make me short of breath. I've been checked out and have no discernable heart problems. I was started on 40mg for PMR, no one suggested I might have CGA, perhaps it was belt and braces! Anyway, that was 3 years ago and although I still get the chest pains, not as often. I am on Lanzopralol and take extra Gaviscon when it happens. Deep breating also helps .Preds are now down to 8.5 as of this week, crossing fingers!
I was also diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia though only after a special blood test, the name of which I can't remember, which showed that my tissues were B12 deficient. Routine bloods for Anaemia came back normal, but the Dr said there were enarged Red blood cells which indicated there may be a problem. Which blood cells are enlarged in CGA, can anyone out there tell me?
Anyway Ann, don't panic and remember the deep breathing.
Thank you Penelope for confirming my latest pred twist! Yes, I find deep breathing and stretching my arms helpful but need the meds to control the pain. Here is wishing you some normalcy and the best, Ann11195
Ann,
Years ago I had severe esophageal reflux and a hiatal hernia. Had surgery in 2004 for the hernia and reflux but suffered for years prior to then. The pains from the esophageal spasms are exactly like a heart attack. The doctors even told me this and checked my heart out thoroughly. The pains even went down my left arm and up into my jaw and throbbed. Had the chest and back pain as well. So I know what you are experiencing. This had nothing to do with my pmr or prednisone. It was at least 13 years ago. I wish you the best in a search to resolve your health issues. Sending get well wishes your way. Linda
Glad you pointed out other possibilities. Will check this out with my primary care doc...thanks for your help as always, Ann11195
yep. My docs found out that I have neuropathy in my esophagus. ugh. this is in addition to severe reflux. good times.
Some people who take PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazol) suffer from chest pain as a side effect. Were you put onto one together with your high dose pred?
I was not told about chest pain or put on anything. Thanks, Eileen and I will bring this up pronto,
Ann11195
Hi Ann. Just to add. I have had these pains since being on pred (jan.2013). I have been treated with Omeprazole then Ranitidine and now Pantoprazole and was told it was acid reflux. It was only when I mentioned to my doctor that all my food tastes of plastic, my voice keeps going hoarseand I get breathless when saying more than a few sentences, that she sent me for an urgent gastroscopy. I have now been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, oesophagitis, gastritis and suspected Barretts disease. Not trying to put the wind up you but if you don't get any relief, I would ask to be checked out. Hope you feel better soon. I know how scary this pain can be. I find ice cold drink, sipped very fast gives me rapid relief..I also sleep on lots of pillows as the oesophagitis makes me make this awful sawing noise when asleep! Take care, Debbie
Debbie, so sorry to hear what you have been through. Will keep your comments in mind when I see doc next, Ann11195