GCA Symptons while on Predisone

Posted by jomarg @jomarg, Mar 24 10:23am

I’m wondering what the symptoms are for GCA if you’ve been on prednisone for 2 1/2 months. I’m experiencing some symptoms, but they don’t seem very painful. I’m wondering if you have less of a degree of pain while on prednisone. I’m taking 15 mg a day. I’ve tapered twice by 2 1/2 mg. Thank you for any help.

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | Mar 25 10:40am

I haven't had any GCA symptoms since starting treatment 8 months ago, but I started at 60 mg of prednisone. I"m currently at 6 mg, and I also take weekly Actemra injections. What dose of prednisone did you start at? It sounds like your dose might be too low.

seniormed | @seniormed | Mar 25 2:55pm

I would reach out to your rheumatologist and discuss your symptoms. I never had any suggestion of GCA
but after research went to my ophthalmologist for baseline exam. It would be good to know your inflammatory labs at this time. Screening with ultrasound is not entirely reliable when you have been on steroids for weeks. Important not to take any chances with your vision.

Teri | @tsc | Mar 25 2:56pm

Hi @jomarg,
it's probably best to let your doctor know what your symptoms are as left untreated GCA can cause blindness. GCA requires a higher dosage of prednisone than PMR does.
If you are having any visual disturbasnce it's best to go to the ER.
What symptoms are you experiencing?
I had symptoms of PMR for a number of months, then got GCA and after a biopsy of the temporal artery I was prescribed 40 mg of Prednisone since I'm petite.
By the way, my PMR symptoms were way more painful than my GCA symptoms, both untreated.
The best way to describe my GCA symptoms is "weird": an itchy torso, lack of appetite, scalp tender to the touch, short stabbing pains from the ear to the nose, visual disturbance in my right eye, a dry nonproductive cough and malaise.
Good luck.

jeff97 | @jeff97 | Mar 25 3:43pm

My symptoms were pain in my cheekbones, fatigue in my jaw muscles when I was eating, scalp tenderness, night sweats, and temporary vision loss in one eye. I went to the emergency room for the vision loss, and got treatment in time to save my vision. I didn't have headaches, but a lot of people do.