Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: A Survival Guide – 3rd Edition

Description

This long-awaited third edition of the bestselling patient guide covers two serious but little-understood inflammatory conditions: polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).

PMR causes significant pain and stiffness that can severely affect mobility. GCA can cause irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed and treated promptly. For both conditions, standard treatment involves up to two years on steroid medication (Prednisolone or prednisone) and around 40% of patients find themselves taking steroids for even longer, bringing additional health challenges alongside the conditions themselves.

Having lived with PMR herself, PMRGCAuk founder Kate Gilbert wrote the first two editions (2014 and 2016) to share everything she had learned while building the UK’s leading PMR and GCA patient support charity. Fantastically well-received, those editions continue to help patients around the world.

For this brand new edition, Kate has worked closely with Dr Vanessa Quick, a consultant rheumatologist in the NHS in England. Together, they have revised and expanded the book throughout, combining Kate’s deep patient insight and years of experience supporting people with PMR and GCA with Vanessa’s clinical expertise. Their collaboration has helped ensure that the book remains firmly grounded in the patient perspective while also reflecting current medical understanding and the realities of diagnosis, treatment and shared decision-making.

The book guides readers through every stage of the journey: from diagnosis (and why it is so often complicated and drawn-out), through tapering steroid doses and identifying companion drugs, to practical steps patients can take to support their own recovery. A dedicated chapter on physical activity and exercise is contributed by physiotherapist and researcher Dr Anne O’Brien.

Combining the latest worldwide research with years of frontline experience at PMRGCAuk, and woven through with real patient voices, this book offers both knowledge and hope because while PMR and GCA are serious conditions that may take time to resolve, a good quality of life and full recovery are genuinely achievable.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this book. We are running a short survey for people with PMR and/or GCA who have read, or are about to read, the Survival Guide and your feedback makes a real difference. Ideally we’d love you to complete it both before and after reading, but after-only responses are just as welcome. The core survey takes no more than 10 minutes, free-text questions are optional, and your email address will only be used to match responses and will never be shared. Thank you in advance for taking the time.

Click here to complete our survey