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The focus of the Rheumatologist during treatment of Pearl’s illness was the secondary effects of taking high doses of prednisone for a long period of time. His obsession with this appeared to have contributed to undertreatment of GCA most of the time – insufficient prednisone was the result. Pearl’s quality of life I believe would have been significantly improved had the GCA inflammation been managed to maintain normal C-rP and sed rate without the distraction of potential side effects. Those serious effects that she experienced were generally corrected by additional therapy – medicinal or surgical. Some secondary effects that people can experience fortunately were not by Pearl. I will list mainly those she did experience and the impact or corrective measures that were taken to remedy or tolerate the condition.
This was controlled by use of Lasix pills – about two a week were found to be most tolerable and effective. Since potassium can increase blood was monitored. Seldom was increased potassium a problem for her though there were some anxious periods of intense consultation.