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PMR initial diagnosis: Can there be an underlying disease?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 4, 2022 | Replies (49)Comment receiving replies
I just finished reading the story about John’s wife and great diagnosis of giant cell arteritus. That will be first question when we see the doctor. My husband has experienced jaw pain a couple of times recently and has said he thinks his vision has changed slightly. He has not had headaches. A few years ago, the ophthalmologist notice something behind his eye and suggested that he have an MRI or CT (I can’t remember which). His internist was not concerned with the results at this time. I will mention this to the doctor.
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@sharenb, That is a great question about giant cell arteritus (GCA). In my followup exams with my primary care doc for my PMR, the doctor would always feel my temples and jaw line and ask if I had any kind of pain or discomfort there. He told me that GCA is often a major concern when you have PMR. The biggest question I had was how long do I have to take the prednisone and how soon can I start to taper off. I was worried about the long term side effects for me. The goal for the prednisone is to get the pain under control and then you can start to taper off slowly while keeping the pain under control.
There is another discussion for GCA that you may want to read and learn what others have shared -- Medications for Temporal Arteritis/Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/temperol-arteritis-or-giant-cell-arteritis/
There is also some helpful information on Lifestyle and Home Remedies listed under the Giant cell arteritis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372764
It's great that you will be going with your husband and have a list of questions for the doctor. If it were me, I would start with your question and maybe add a few more.
-- If he has GCA, what medication is the best treatment?
-- How long will he need to take the medication? Is there a recommended schedule for tapering off the medication?
-- What are the side effects we need to watch for with the medication?
-- What lifestyle or dietary changes should be made? Physical therapy, exercise, foods to avoid or eat...
Hope this helps. John