@valerie6062. @654321, @beaver and all...Wow, Valerie. You've been through the wringer with these autoimmune attacks. I'm so sorry for you to have to experience these and to this degree. At age 77 I suppose I'm heading in your general direction with the return of old illnesses and new issues. I'm praying the addition of the Methotrexate will help me reduce/taper the Prednisone. I've been at 20mg daily for the past 8 months, and the PMR appears to be stable to some degree...at least the pain and fatigue are slightly controlled, not improved, but steady. That's a win for now I suppose. I'm not sure what to expect from the Methotrexate so it'll be 'fun' to see how it goes.

I am very concerned about the GCA and my eyesight. I've had double vision for decades, in varying degrees of severity. But, it's now almost constant to the point that even closing 1 eye doesn't resolve the sight issue. I've developed almost constant blurring as well. Not totally blurred, just not able to see clearly! Yuck!!!!!

My rheumatologist last week referred me to ophthalmology for the double vision and an overall ck re autoimmune issues. Since developing Sarcoid when 40, I've had additional eye issues, severe dry eyes of course and the doctors are on top of the possibility of Sarcoid attacking my eyes. I've had a couple of bouts with it in the eyes that were helped with complete success by steroid drops. I saw so clearly then with no issues, but naturally that stopped when the drops stopped.

I have the determination to deal effectively, whatever that means, with what these autoimmune illnesses deliver my way. However, I will not do well without my eyesight. In fact, I'm not doing well at all with the current situation with my eyesight, as the double vision is truly debilitating. So limiting now for me and any movements, doing anything to function during the day is much more difficult and frustrating. I don't like it at all and don't seem to be able to make it better...So, I was thrilled when this wonderful doctor referred me for a new and closer look. I was diagnosed decades ago with MG due in part to the double vision. Nope. Not correct diagnosis. I never got a legitimate answer. I now wonder if GCA was creeping in for years and only now is fully attacking me.

I, like many of us, have given up so much of our lives already due to debilitating fatigue invading our entire lives and relationships! To difficulty breathing and using our lungs effectively! To various levels and times of pain, throughout our entire bodies! To eyesight changes! To brain fog and bone issues and feet problems and neuropathy and skin rashes and sores and thinning and hair loss and. and, and, and...

I will not handle additional sight loss well at all! You will hear me screaming all kinds of words from sunny Florida to wherever you live! So, fingers crossed that the referral goes well and they find answers and treatment...

Blessings to all, Elizabeth