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GCA, zoster, and (maybe) PMR

Posted by pkalkstein @pkalkstein, Oct 14, 2023

Through searching here I found posts relating shingles and Shingrix to possible onset of PMR/GCA. But looking at it from the other direction (fighting our disease rather than searching its origin), I found the referenced paper (provenance unclear) fascinating. Does anyone know of the use of acyclovir to treat GCA or PMR? I know there is speculation about a virus as the cause of these related diseases, but I didn't think a virus had been identified. This is somewhat speculative, but there is a case study.
https://www.oatext.com/pdf/CMR-2-115.pdf

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jlochow | @jlochow | Jan 21, 2025

Would like to add that less than 1 week prior to shingles, I had vaccines for Covid and Flu given in same arm , same day. Reacted badly: fever, arm pain and extreme fatigue.
Realize these are anecdotal comments but pose real questions about immune responses. All this while on 20 mg prednisone for other problems.

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | Jan 22, 2025
In reply to @jlochow "Had shingles just before PMR/GCA diagnosis. Had had shingles and Shinrx vaccine apx 5 years previously...." + (show)
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Had shingles just before PMR/GCA diagnosis. Had had shingles and Shinrx vaccine apx 5 years previously. Took Valtrex after diagnosis. Got it again 1 month before PMR. Shingles lasted more than 4 weeks. Then developed PMR seemingly over night and also GCA symptoms. Was already on 20 mg prednisone for 2 years for back and bone issues. Have had many side effects. Have yet to find any other pain relief for the PMR. Opioid helped with GCA jaw pain and headaches. Going on 7 weeks with both PMR and GCA symptoms.

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Did they raise your prednisone dose when you were diagnosed with GCA? When I was diagnosed with GCA I was in the hospital for 3 days to receive IV infusions of high dose steroids. After that I was on 60 mg prednisone for 6 weeks, and I started weekly Actemra injections pretty soon after that. I can honestly say that once I started the high dose prednisone I haven't had any symptoms at all of PMR or GCA.

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