Wow. My Primary Care Physician thinks I have Vasculitis - PMR. Based on symptoms and elevated ESR, +ANA, high CRP. He started me on 15 mg prednisone which helped tremendously with symptoms in about 4 days. He referred me to a rheumatologist. I saw the rheumatologist 22 days after being on prednisone. By then, I’d started having headaches & feeling faint/dizzy if I bent down or upon standing up. I was also hearing buzzing or whooshing (my heartbeat). He did another blood test which shows ssDNA at 420 but said the other tests which would indicate lupus are in normal range. He also had a temporal artery biopsy - which was normal. But the biopsy was done after I’d been on prednisone a month & I was using prednisolone drops from a retinal surgery a month before, so he said it could be a false biopsy. I’ve seen the rheumatologist twice & I feel like I have no answers, no explanations. I quit taking the prednisone this week because of the feeling like I’m going to faint - it’s like someone is squeezing my throat, my vision narrows & I have to grab something to stay upright. I’m afraid to drive, but I have to. Rheumy says that’s not from vasculitis & I should see a neurologist but makes no recommendation. I’m beyond frustrated. He also says he doesn’t know what my diagnosis is but wants me to come back in 2 weeks. I don’t see the point in going back to him. I’m thankful that the pain, stiffness, in joints: neck, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and wrists is better. I’m thankful to my Primary. I just wish someone would explain what has happened to me - this pain in joints started in February, but the headaches & feeling like I’m going to pass out started in May. Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted.

Oh, I will say that I found meditating more often seems to help.