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Mt ophthalmologist told me to run, not walk, back to her if I had even one symptom of GCA. ER rooms do not have the equipment to test for it visually, rheumy's also often downplay the problem, only my ophthalmologist took it totally seriously. She went so far as to give me her personal cell number to call if I had any symptoms.
My rheumy told me that she screened for it once and said nothing to me since I apparently did not have symptoms I believe PMR patients should be informed that it is possible, at any time, and to be on the lookout, taught the symptoms and the proper action. My ophthalmologist said it is one of the very few eye problems that is considered a true medical emergency.
GCA can cause permanent eye damage and blindness. Why would anyone fool around when that is a possible outcome? OK, some of us would overreact and worry needlessly. If that is the worst outcome that a warning of this type has, then isn't it worth it?
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A doctor friend told me to go to the ER immediately if I had any visual disturbance. Informed about a patient's history of PMR/GCA, the ER doctors treat with IV steroids, based on what I've read from others posting about this in Connect
I was diagnosed with GCA. Had it once, was off prednisone for a year and a half, then relapsed. Currently taking 20 mg of Prednisone, down from 40. Before diagnosis, I had two incidents of visual disturbance: I could only see white out of my right eye. I thought it was from working on the computer too much. I didn't have any permanent damage to my eye, fortunately.
You're right, @jabrown0407, anyone with PMR needs to be informed of the symptoms of GCA and be on high alert to seek treatment if they experience any visual disturbance.