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could this be Giant cell

Posted , 9 users are following.

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Taking ten mg Prednisone..when I tapered to six I was in adrenal crisis but now I'm having blurry vision and hurt all over.. could this be what they call Giant cell? My jaws hurt 2-3 times a day but it goes away.. having trouble seeing fifty inch TV and I feel light-headed..have a Dr appointment tomorrow but I don't want to over react..I don't usually run to the Dr but I don't feel good and all I want to do is sit in my chair..no energy at all... opinions or ideas welcome... Sharon

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Rimmy
    Rimmy tuningup

    Posted

    Hello

    These symptoms sound quite typical of those associated with GCA - and as you probably know already any disturbance in vision is regarded as serious. If you can't see a doctor pretty quickly you would be best to go to an A & E or ER to be on the safe side - or your vision could be at risk as well as other possible medical consequences. 

    All good wishes getting this sorted out.

  • EileenH
    EileenH tuningup

    Posted

    When you say your jaw hurts 2 or 3 times a day - is it when chewing or talking for a while? Does it then stop when you stop chewing or whatever other activity brings it on? If so, that is typical of jaw claudication and that, together with your blurry vision and flu-feeling could be being caused by GCA. 

    You need to see a doctor asap - as the others have said.

    • elizabeth40672
      elizabeth40672 EileenH

      Posted

      Hi Eileen, sorry to jump into this conversation but is blurry vision on it's own something to worry about? I'm currently on 12mg and after a hiccup over Christmas seem to have stabilised. I have just been to the opticians  a couple of weeks ago and they did not seem to be worried. Reading Glasses help but it is getting worse. 

    • tuningup
      tuningup EileenH

      Posted

      Hi Eileen..I forgot to mention that in September I had my eyes examined for renewal of driving license and I barely passed.. Dr said if I did have cataracts they were very minor but my eyes were just blurry..no drops in eyes.. today I went to a good Dr and she ordered five vials of blood with lots of tests so I'll report when I know.. I also had a meltdown because Dr asked what was going on in my life..when I told her my cat died I lost it and cried and cried...I told her my symptoms are genuine but I'm just very sad over my cat dying while I was in the hospital having my hip replaced.. it's been ten weeks and I'm still limping and using walker..I feel crappy physically and emotionally and I'm just trying to hang onto hope that my body and heart will get better..it's been a rough three years of PMR.. lost my husband, Godmother, special aunt,got Celiac disease and developed diabities,two hip replacements and now my cat that I loved with all my heart..but I must and have to say God has been good to me...I'm just a little down today... I'll be fine and repost when blood tests come in.. Sharon

    • Elizamc
      Elizamc tuningup

      Posted

      Poor you, what a truly horrible time you’ve been having, I hope that 2018 will be much kinder too you.
    • EileenH
      EileenH elizabeth40672

      Posted

      Elizabeth: Blurry vision alone is probably not a thing to get paranoid about - pred itself can cause blurred vision, dry eyes can cause it too and that isn't uncommon along with PMR or any other autoimmune disorder. Did your optician comment anything about your eyes being dry? 

    • EileenH
      EileenH tuningup

      Posted

      You've been through a lot - and it all mounts up. YOu probably would benefit from some bereavement counselling - not just for the obvious, the deaths, but also for the loss of the "You" that you were.

      You didn't answer about the jaw pain?

    • elizabeth40672
      elizabeth40672 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen that is what I thought. No optician didn't say anything about dry eyes and today I have burst another blood vessel in my eye. Looking really bad again! I didn't think my eyes were dry but they must be, as I must be rubbing them without realising it to keep doing this to myself! 

    • tuningup
      tuningup EileenH

      Posted

      hi..the jaw pain is more like aching that goes half way to my ears .....it just comes and goes for no reason that I can figure out..its on both sides and most of the time I get a  mild headache..i should get blood work results tomorrow...I just feel crappy and I hurt all over and I'm so very tired...but ive been tired for over three years..lol...sharon

       

    • EileenH
      EileenH tuningup

      Posted

      Not associated with eating/chewing or lots of talking then?
    • tuningup
      tuningup EileenH

      Posted

      No triggers with jaw aches..just comes and goes..I just reviewed my seven sheets of blood work results.. everything was normal!!! SED rate down to 46.. lowest in three years...I think this is the time to start a new journey of eating better and exercise.. this is the first time my labs were all good..last ones were covered with red too high..red too low.. maybe my biggest problem is missing my cat..he was everything to me and all I had... but my life must go forward....I do have arthritis and ulcers but I think I need to have a new path of thoughts and get better and start living again.. time to mend and be joyful.. I'm thrilled with labs... it's encouraging to me... Sharon

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