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If I choose to take no meds. What is the worst that can happen?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 22 10:15am | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
I’m sure I read in a few articles and Kate Gilbert’s book, that the longer you wait to take prednisone, the greater the chances of developing GCA.
Replies to "I’m sure I read in a few articles and Kate Gilbert’s book, that the longer you..."
I just ordered Kate Gilbert’s book. Thank you. This is exactly what I’m looking for. Could you extrapolate on “longer you wait toe take prednisone, the greater the chances of developing GCA? Is the for someone in the process of diagnosis or does this apply to those who continue to be symptomatic once off corticosteroids?
Kind Regards,
Patti
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That's what happened to me. I blamed my PMR on other things, and I eventually developed GCA. I had to go to the emergency room when I temporarily lost the vision in one eye. Fortunately my vision was saved, but I could have ended up being blind in one or both eyes, and also having a stroke if I hadn't started treatment. My quality of life was poor before I got diagnosed with PMR and GCA. I remember lying in bed at night trying to decide if it was worth the pain to roll over to change positions. I had trouble dressing because of the stiffness. I also wasn't the safest driver since I had trouble turning my head because of stiffness in my neck.
It has been about 15 months now since I started treatment, and I'm in clinical remission for the PMR and GCA. I take an injection of Actemra weekly, but I don't take prednisone anymore. I don't have any stiffness or pain.