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Do I really have Pmr/Giant cell?

Posted , 9 users are following.

jenny90481
jenny90481

Hello,  Would someone with experience be able to help me with  a problem that I have?

Last May I was diagonsed with Pmr/Giant cell and RA all on the same day of seeing a Rheumatologist.  I had really bad shoulder, arms neck and shoulder pain.  I was given 60mg of prednesolone and they pain was gone within two days.  The headache which felt like a "hammer drill" was just on one side.  I really do not know if this was Giant cell as I did not have a painful jaw or blurred vision I did have a pain on the side of my head which made wearing glasses uncomfortable.  Is this enough symptoms to justify having to have 1500mg of IV and high steriods plus 20mg of Methotrexate. 

You see the problem I am having is that all my blood readings are perfectly normal the biopsy (which was done 5 months into steriod treatment) was normal the only so called evidence is a ultrasound that showed slight inflammation on the temple and under the arm and a MR Scan on my hands that show a lot of joint erosion.  (Rheumy say RA) , could be Osteoarthritis couldn't?

I am having a real problem coming to terms that I have Giant Cell and RA, I really do think that they have it wrong and that they are covering themselves just in case it "maybe".

In the last three weeks I have stopped the Methotrexate and are coming down very very slowly off the steriods.  I feel fine! so could someone please advise me am I doing the right thing.  My Rheumy doesn't know that I have done this and really need to find out if they have made a mistake because their diagnosis condemns me to a life time of toxic drugs and bad side effects.  I would be really grateful for any advise you could give to me. 

0 likes, 17 replies

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  • carol16456
    carol16456 jenny90481

    Posted

    Take what Eilleen H says seriously She and some others on this site give good advice and they really don't want you to do damage . Speak to your Rhumatolagist as soon as poss .
  • FlipDover_Aust
    FlipDover_Aust jenny90481

    Posted

    I too had (slight) doubt the diagnosis of PMR once the Pred kicked in and I was back to normal after only 1 day! However, just one drop too quickly last week has knocked me for a six and I almost feel as bad as I did when first diagnosed. It's easy to think you are fine when you have no symptoms!

    It's a bit like mental health - when you take the meds you feel and act 'normal' so you think you don't need them.....but if you go off them - well..... bad idea!

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