GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)

I’m one of these PMR patient's with normal blood inflammation markers. Initially when first diagnosed they were only slightly elevated. I have all the other symptoms or points. I could hardly move at the onset and once on Prednisone I did do much better. Then they pulled me off of it and it came back worse than before. I guess that was a very telling sign when symptoms came back within 2 months. Yes I am feeling the 5 mg drop and will take your advice and split that in half to 17 mg instead of 15. Dr is not around so I will take it on myself for now. Thanks for the advice, well received and appreciated 👍

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My inflammation markers were through the roof initially (80, normal is < 8. Now after two months on methylprednisolone, it’s normal. I still have awful back and hip pain, but not nearly as bad as it was. In fact, I have been tapering down for six weeks already, and am hoping to taper down again next week.

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@nativeoregirl That was uplifting, Deb, and I appreciate the bio also. It sounds like you are basically satisfied with your rheumy, and I'm glad. I'm sure I mentioned it previously...but the taper that worked for me is slow. It is .05mg per month, and if I feel out of sorts, I stay put until I don't. Your job sound so fulfilling, and I bet it makes it easier to push through discomfort sometimes!! What a great feeling to think of how many people you are ultimately helping.
So glad you have family close by as well. I was living alone when first diagnosed, and it can be wonderful, but it is good to have someone close by.
YouTube is the greatest!! There is a Senior Center in my town that has art classes on Wednesdays.
I only started going three weeks ago. Since I had to give up my license three years ago, getting out of the house and being around other people is a delight. I am a real people person...and enjoy socializing. But, you are right...there is more material on the computer than time. I'm happy you wrote...I was concerned. You seem very knowledgeable and in control.💞

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Thank you, that means a lot.

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Yes, Grammy! I really try hard to focus on the true blessings I have been given. I know eventually we all get something and this isn't the worst thing compared to what others in different scenarios are going through, for sure. Grammy you have a great weekend ahead, and stay well.
Hugs

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Hi @norieaugustine, PMR and GCA are "companion systemic inflammatory disorders". In the U.S., the annual incidence of PMR is 52.5 per 100,000 in patients aged 50 and older. The incidence and prevalence of GCA are approximately one-third those of PMR (Cecil and Goldman's Textbook of Medicine). I found an article online, "Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica" in Up to Date which stated that, "The initial dose of prednisone needed to alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms in PMR is lower than used to control vascular inflammation associated with GCA. Treatment has not been shown to improve prognosis or prevent progression to GCA." So whether PMR advances to GCA seems to be out of our control. I have both. The pain and stiffness of PMR were terrible and affected my whole body from the neck down. With GCA, I had a couple of disruptions to vision in my right eye, occasional short stabbing or pulsating pains from my right ear to my eye which increased over time, a tender scalp, and the worst stiff neck ever, with pain on both sides of the back of my head. I went undiagnosed for a year, largely my own fault, because I thought I had fibromyalgia. A mild case of herpes zoster, even after having the Shingrex vaccine a year prior, and anemia brought it all to light through a consult with an infectious disease specialist. My rheumatologist put me on a low dose of prednisone, about 10 mg, then increased it to 40 mg after hearing my symptoms and ordering a temporal artery biopsy which was positive for GCA. My mother-in-law had temporal arteritis, diagnosed in her 80s and she lived to be nearly 100. My maternal aunt also had it. I am managing very well now, down to 7.5 mg of prednisone. One thing for anyone with GCA, my Rheumy told me to take a low dose of aspirin every day as those with GCA may develop aortic aneurysms down the road. I'm thankful these disorders can be managed with prednisone and so far the tapering has been going well. Now I just have to take care of my bones! My suggestion is to try not to worry about getting GCA too much, as it's out of your control, but watch for the signs and report them to your doctor immediately if you get them because the consequences of untreated GCA are stroke or blindness. Best to you.

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Hello everyone. I’m so happy to have found this place. I have had symptoms of PMR and GCA for months now. Been to 2 rheumatoid drs and no diagnosis. If fact, my long time rheumatoid dr left and the new guy took me off my meds without even seeing me or a phone call 😡
I feel like I’m dying. I told this to my last Dr at my evaluation. My blood results came back showing nothing and I was referred to pain management 😳🙄 ( august 24th)
I don’t know what to do or where to go. The headaches and pressure in my neck…and the back and arm pain are bad.
Will pain management be able to diagnose me? And treat me? I’m so frustrated 😤

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