Giant Cell Arteritis

[Canis_Lupus]

68 year old male. Booked routine 2 yearly opticians eye test, was informed to report to the nearest casualty ophthalmic department for tests. Had blood tests and was informed that I would require a Temporal Artery Biopsy which was performed the next day.
Prescribed 40mg Prednisolone Tablets, Awaiting biopsy results and follow up.
Anyone out there suffering with GCA and any advice or prognosis.

[Sqad]

No I haven't had it, but know just a little about it.
Early diagnosis is essential, which has happened in your case and the prognosis with steroid therapy is good.

The diagnosis rests on the result of the biopsy.

[Canis_Lupus]

Thanks Sqad.
Will just have to wait until the follow up appointment, have been instructed to have a follow up blood 7 days after starting steroids. Consultant did say that I was lucky to have it picked up early.
Ah well onwards and upwards as they say.

[Canis_Lupus]

Should read: blood test.

[Sqad]

yes, it was a smart piece of work by your Optician as it usually presents as headaches or in rare cases, sudden blindness in one eye, so yes, well done Specsavers.

[Canis_Lupus]

Sorry Sqad. Boots Opticians not Specsavers, have worn glasses for over 30 years and never found Specsavers eye tests to be that good. This was my first visit to Boots Opticians and I believe that I was rather fortunate in finding a good optician.

[Sqad]

canis.....my post re. Specsavers............was a hint of humour....;-)

[Canis_Lupus]

Sqad. Sorry to miss the humour with Specsavers, just a bit shell shocked at the moment. No Warning signs just sudden onset of pain in my jaw/ear the evening before my eye test, put this down to driving with the window down which I very rarely do.
Anyway thank you very much for your input, will keep you informed about biopsy result.

[Sqad]

;-)......look forward to the biopsy report.

[Canis_Lupus]

Sqad:
Had my appointment with the rheumatology registrar this morning, biopsy was inconclusive, apparently that is not that unusual for this condition, other indications (blood work etc.) suggest that I have GCA and will monitored and treated with oral steroids. Steroid dosage will be reduced by 5mgrams every 14 days, provided headaches, pain in the jaw or sight problems do not recur or increase. Do to other medical problems aiming to get me of steroids within a year, blood tests will be carried out weekly with follow up hospital appointments every 4 weeks.
Thank you for your previous comments.