PMR/GCA

Posted by docm @docmeehan, May 8 6:19am

Hello everyone, I am dealing with PMR/GCA and have experienced some brief episodes of double vision which my Ophthamologist says are inconsequential. I am slowly tapering the prednisone according to my own schedule. My question is have any of you ever actually experienced a stroke or heart attack related to your PMR/GCA? I'm just curious. I have been dealing with this disease for eight months and I really feel for those of you who have been at it for even longer than that.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

jeff97 | @jeff97 | Jul 8 7:46am

In reply to @docmeehan "Hi @tarafergusongould, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having to go through this horrible experience. May..." + (show)

Doc, I have been under treatment for GCA and PMR for 12 months. I started at 60 mg of prednisone per day, and stayed there for 6 weeks. I have tapered over the past year to get down to 2 mg per day. I hope to be finished with prednisone in about 5 weeks. I have also been taking weekly Actemra injections for 10 months, and I will continue to take them for at least a few more years (I assume). I haven't had any pain or symptoms at all from the GCA or PMR during the past year. I think that is from the combination of prednisone and Actemra and a relatively slow taper. I can provide more information about my taper if you're interested. I'm 71 years old.