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Can sed rate and c reactive results be normal while taking Prednisone?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
@franklinlala I thank you for sharing your story too. I'm sorry about your friend having problems again. If she doesn't wait too long she may be okay with a low dose of Prednisone. It would be horrible to have to start all over again. When I was admitted to the hospital I was blind in my right eye and had blurred graphic type vision in left. Saw multiple blurred images. It was ready to go. They immediately put me on 1000 mgs IV of steroids. It happened quickly the night before and silly me thought it was stress related because we had just put my sister-in-law in hospice, I had a stroke the month before which was completely reversed with that clot buster and I found out in my second stay it was actually the GCA that caused it. The opthamologist there when I had the stroke kept telling me something was off, he just couldn't figure it out. Well, the GCA symptoms were there but the brain doctor didn't know about GCA, The opthamologist was there when I showed up blind and immediately ordered the IV. He knew then what it was. It's rare to get your sight back once you lose it and I thank God for his grace and mercy all those who prayed for me and the opthamologist. I see fine but could still lose it on these low doses. People have but I don't dwell on it. I just spent the afternoon in the yard with my 91 year old mom, very healthy lady who worries about me but I told her there are others much worse off. We just don't have health issues in this family (my aunt is not blood related, her husband is my moms brother) and no one understands why I have GCA. I don't understand it either. I do wish there was something we could do about the fatigue. I haven't had a good night sleep in 1 1/2 years and naps to help with the fatigue, well aren't helping. I do keep myself busy, very busy but pace myself. I also want to say the opthamologist that diagnosed me and confirmed by temporal biopsy is the same guy that gave me that crazy taper after a year of me tapering. He's very smart with some things, not so smart with others but I respect him for all his efforts in saving my sight. He's much older and refuses to retire. Good man. We will definitely get to the other side of this, takes patience. Wishing you well and saying a prayer you do well on 5 mgs.
Replies to "@franklinlala I thank you for sharing your story too. I'm sorry about your friend having problems..."
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@kobellava What a frightening and fascinating medical journey you’ve been on. I definitely think you have some angels looking out for you! I understand now about the possibility of needing a maintenance dose, your entire life. But what a blessing you were able to retain your vision! I pray it stays that way. I know we all want to get off prednisone, but in your case, it seems to be a necessary evil.
You mentioned a “brain” doctor not knowing about GCA. I’m assuming you meant a neurologist? I can’t fathom he did not know what GCA is! That’s a little scary.
Sometimes the outcome of our circumstances depends on who we happen to cross paths with. Thank heavens, your ophthalmologist is still practicing, and decided to put off retirement. You had the right person around you at the right time.
I was touched to hear about you spending time in the yard with your 91 year old mother, who still worries about you. I lost my mom two years ago at age 94. She worried enough for the both of us! Although I miss her, I’m glad I received this diagnosis after she passed. At that age the stress is not good for them.
And yes I can also relate to the question of why did I get this? I have asked myself that many times. I’d like to ask one more question if you don’t mind. Knowing there is a 15-20% chance of those with PMR to develop GCA, it’s 50% of those with GCA develop polymyalgic symptoms. Do you have body pain and stiffness as well? I hope you don’t as you seem to have enough to handle already.
Thank you for the kind words about my friend too. Take care…