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Earache as part of PMR?

Posted , 13 users are following.

Miki680
Miki680

I was diagnosed 3-4 months ago and down to 11mg/day, doing OK, symptoms minimal. Got painful earache with shooting pains (nerve?) into side of head, and wonder if it could be GCA or just part of ongoing sinus issues. Any thoughts?  thanks—

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • BettyE
    BettyE Miki680

    Posted

    I had the same  and went for a check but my GP said all was fine as e could feel a strong pulse. Don't take any chances; get it checked and save yourself the worry.

    • Miki680
      Miki680 BettyE

      Posted

      Thanks BettyE-

      Appreciate your reply and glad you are well, Amy

  • lodgerUK_NE
    lodgerUK_NE Miki680

    Posted

    As BettyE says, Do not take chances.

    I had earache along with other symptoms and yes, it was GCA in my specific case.

    When in doubt, check it out......................

     

    • Miki680
      Miki680 lodgerUK_NE

      Posted

      Thanks lodger - I appreciate your reply and will definitely check this out.

      Good luck with your GCA, Amy

    • 757gal
      757gal Miki680

      Posted

      I have GCA and have experienced lightening bolts of pain directly in front of each ear. They only last a second but they are like little starbursts of intense pain.  It's always one side or the other. But never both sides at once. They come and go. I'm down to 4 mg of Pred and haven't experienced them for about a month or so.  I certainly believe they are part of the GCA symptoms. I mentioned to my Rheumy but he had no comment. There is s major artery/vein that is directly in front of the ear so I'm guessing something is happening there. 

    • Miki680
      Miki680 757gal

      Posted

       thanks so much for your reply and it sounds as if you are doing better. Your description of the lightning bolts also fits mine and I have sometimes gotten them when I have a virus, so I am still hoping that’s what it is. I understand the GCA test is a bit grueling, so I am hesitant to go through with it.  But I may go ahead and do it. I do not have a lot of other symptoms at this moment.

       With much appreciation for your reply, and I wish you all the best of health, Amy

  • Heron31716
    Heron31716 Miki680

    Posted

    I hope your ear ache resolves and this isn't the start of GCA. 

    What are the first symptoms of GCA and to what extent do they vary from person to person?  I have a sore throat and pain in my temples and generally feel unwell.  It may be the day after taking 15 mg methotrexate.  

    Also what experiences have others had of methotrexate sparing?  Has it worked for you and how long was it before you were able to lower the dose of pred?

    Many thanks.

    • Miki680
      Miki680 Heron31716

      Posted

      Hi Heron-

      thanks for your reply.  I hope your symptoms resolve and it is not GCA,  but pain in the temples is one sign so please do check it out.  I don't know about methotrexate but as I read this great forum, I know many people are taking it.  I do think symptoms for GCA vary but jaw pain, headaches and pain in temples are some symptoms. Best to you, Amy

  • pam48607
    pam48607 Miki680

    Posted

    Miki,

       Occasionally I will get a "lightening bolt" of pain which shoots up the side of my temple.  Sometimes I only get the bolt of pain in one ear but it's gone is a few seconds (thank God).   Everyone is different, but that never occurred until after my diagnosis of GCA.   My most troubling symptoms before diagnosis were high fever (over 103 for ten days), unbelievable upper leg pain and weakness, and terrible night sweats (I would soak through the sheets at least twice a night).   All of this landed me in the hospital for six days, after which they said they could find no infection and to "follow-up" with a rheumatologist, who diagnosed me with GCA.   

       Thanks goodness she was well aware of this condition.   I hope your ear pain goes away soon.

    • Miki680
      Miki680 pam48607

      Posted

      hi Pam-

      Sure hope you stay well! Those lightening bolts are awful but I am glad you found an MD who knew about GCA.

      Thanks much for your reply!

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga Miki680

    Posted

    A year ago or so there was actually a poll asking people about issues with their ears.  Sure I can't find that thread now, but maybe one of the people who was organizing it will weigh in.  

    • lodgerUK_NE
      lodgerUK_NE Anhaga

      Posted

      Anhaga, I did reply but it has gone for moderation.  However since I posted a new set of circumstances have arisen and I have contacted the admin people of this site to see if they can help me out here.

      Your Ears needs more people.

  • Michdonn
    Michdonn Miki680

    Posted

    Miki, do yourself a favor, do not rush off the Prednisone, take your time. I believe strongly in the DSNS method to taper. Hope you are tapering that way. Good luck on the rest of your journey. Try to smile and be positive.

    Smiling ☺️

    • Miki680
      Miki680 Michdonn

      Posted

      thanks Anhaga, Eileen and Michdonn— much appreciate your comments!!

      And I am following through with my doctor about connection of ear pain to GCA,  hoping this is just a minor virus. I am tapering slowly, but for now still with 1 mg per month. If I have a flare I will go to the half milligram process. Wishing you well and with many thanks, Amy

  • EileenH
    EileenH Miki680

    Posted

    Impossible to say - but ear problems can be part of GCA. 
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