← Return to Temporal Artery Biopsy VS a color Doppler Ultrasound for GCA diagnosis

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@tuckerp

I had self diagnosed myself with PMR and started on Dexamethasone. Worked in 4 hrs. Pain free. I then went to my PA and I gave her this list of tests I wanted to run. I got this list off a PMR facebook site. She ran the list:

1.. CBC with DIFF
2. ESR
3. CRP, HS-CRP **
4. HBsAG
5. Interferon Gamma, Serum
6. Hep -B
7. Anti-Chromatin Ab, IgC (RDL)
8. CCP Antibodies IgG/IgA
9. 14-3-3 eta Protein
10. Antiphospholipid Antibody APS, APLS
11.RF test
12. ANA - antinuclear antibody
13. Aldolase - With CK, ALT, AST
14. Interleukin 2 and 6

I had these test done at Lab corp. I took them with me to my Mayo appt. He then ordered a CT scan of my body, chest x-ray, and PET scan, Ultrasound of my thyroid and carotid, All my test results came back negative. (except blocked carotid) I complained to him of headaches and he ordered a temperal Biopsy. That was negative. He said already being on steroids for about 5 weeks before I saw him made the tests difficult. But he agreed that the fact the steroids worked was most likely PMR. Some of these tests he ordered just from talking to him about how I felt. Thats why I mentioned to make a list. Its easy to forget during the appointment. If you have recent tests medicare might not pay for duplicates. So best to take what you do have. I saw the Dr once. first appointment was about 80 minutes. I then went for a 30day followup that could have easily been done on video conference. He referred me to a cardiologist and a urologist. I still see them. I started steroids in Apr 2021 and was off by Nov 2021. Just PMR no GCA.

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Replies to "I had self diagnosed myself with PMR and started on Dexamethasone. Worked in 4 hrs. Pain..."

I'm curious about your level of IL6 - was this a 'serum level' of IL6 ? I have read many times that IL6 testing is not "easily' done .......