Could this be GCA?

Hello Anhaga,

I add salt for cooking purposes because my husband loves salt but I do not add further salt to food because I am aware of its effect on BP . I do enjoy the occasional takeaway although in small amounts. I don't eat many sweet things either. I don't eat as much as I used to, I tend to eat small amounts more often than large meals and I avoid salt as much as I can .

Hi Anhaga,

Were you thinking of hyponatremia by any chance?

I guess that's what it's called, although I don't know that I was at the stage where it would be given a name.  I can't face rewriting the post so will private message you a link to a post I made on another forum a couple of days ago.  

If anyone else is interested, the post is found by googling healthunlocked salt and morning headaches.

Thanks Anhaga,

The thought occurred to me because I know there is an interaction between the two meds I take that can cause this. I've been on them for several years. Maybe because I have lost weight and am not eating as much as I used too there is a shortfall in my salt intake and the meds are making me excrete salt which could be giving me some of my symptoms. It could be something along the lines of hyponatremia but not full blown otherwise I would know that for sure. My symptoms seem to worsen after taking my diuretic recently. I think it may be worth asking my doctor about.

Thank you very much.

Thanks for this Anhaga,

I've read it with interest, an amazing story. It just shows that we have to be pro-active and not necessarily go by the rules.

This is the second thing which I've worked out for myself since my PMR diagnosis!  The first was managing to avoid taking osteoporosis drugs, yet successfully reversing my "low bone mass", and now seemingly dealing with some pretty concerning symptoms in a very simple way.  Just lucky, I guess!  So far.  I do have my fingers crossed....🤞

That's wonderful news, you are obviously doing something right and long may you continue to make good progress.

I will have to go back to my doctor probably after the bank holiday. Meanwhile I am going to reduce my diuretic to see if it makes a difference. I am on them for border line BP.

Thank you for your help, hopefully we can keep in touch.

Kind Regards ?

Just started fosamax a couple weeks ago (1x per week) due to bone density scan showing osteoporosis. Have not felt really well since starting this... slightly nauseous. How did u reverse the bone loss without meds? Started on 30 mg pred last Nov and currently down to 15 .

Hi Carlene.  if you google healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey you will find my account of what I did - and will for the rest of my life.  Nutrition, a few supplements, appropriate exercise.  😊

Hello r.d.s.

No, my rhuematologist had me raise my arms above my head, she examined me and my xray s and said I had early OA in neck and spine and commented that my xray s were better than hers. Blood tests were slightly raised inflammation levels but all other blood works ok. The last time I had blood works was about 4 or 5 months ago, slight raised inflammation marker. I did mention headaches to her. She gave me capsaicin cream and told me to take paracetamol but I cannot. I can only take anadin extra and I worry that I am taking too many of those. I did some physio but it was making me light headed so I had to stop going.

Hello Eileen,

Thank you all so much for your quick responses.

Yes bloods showed slight elevation in inflammation markers but doctor wasn't concerned, said it was OA.

I do worry a lot but I have felt like this for a while now and probably worse since my chest infection, yet I was ENT after the infection and my ears were ok. He seemed to think my symptoms stemmed from my neck.

I don't know how to control it, I haven't driven my car in 10 months. All I want to do these days is lay on the bed, I have to push myself to do things because I don't feel well a lot of the time.

I had the same problem with my GP originally except he said I had a long term virus. I went privately to a rheumatologist in the end. Can you get your blood test results printed out for you? I always ask for mine from the receptionist.

If you have raised blood markers I think I would try to see another GP. In PMR and GCA up to about 20% of patients do not have elevated levels but still have the illness. In addition, I quote  " In patients with osteoarthritis, ESR is usually normal but CRP may be elevated."

https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-c-reactive-protein-old-useful-biomarkers-pain-treatment

Hi Eileen,

It was my CPR that was slightly elevated so it could be my OA.

All of these symptoms though!!!!

I will probably see my doctor again.

Many thanks for your replies, much appreciated

Thanks for your reply ptolemy,

I didn't know that you could do that, something to bear in mind for sure.