Adjusting to life with temporal arteritis

Posted by MLeeB @MLeeB, Mar 21, 2016

Would like to hear from people that have gone thru or going thru temporal artritis. I am now going on my 5 month after being diagnosed. It is getting better but very slowly. Is this normal?

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jmwm | @jmwm | 2 days ago

Has anyone had a biopsy for GCA at Mayo's? If so, what was the procedure and was it painless?

ropnrose | @ropnrose | 2 days ago

In reply to @jmwm "Has anyone had a biopsy for GCA at Mayo's? If so, what was the procedure and..." + (show)

I had bi-lateral temporal biopsies in August. Not at Mayo. A surgeon did it at my local hospital in a rural town. I had my choice of a local or complete anesthesia. I chose local, so I could drive myself home. No issues, no pain. Stitches were under my skin and the incision was glued.

jmwm | @jmwm | 2 days ago

In reply to @ropnrose "I had bi-lateral temporal biopsies in August. Not at Mayo. A surgeon did it at my..." + (show)

Thank you.

scottschooley | @scottschooley | 1 day ago

In reply to @alysebrunella "Hi @MLeeB, and welcome to Connect. I'm Alyse, and I'm one of the community moderators here...." + (show)

I was diagnosed in December 2024 with PMR GCA I am on my 2nd week of Actemra and @ 12 mg methoprednisone. I do get Verdugo maybe about 6 times a week it only lasts about 30 seconds to a minute. As I am tapering down in the prednisone it seems to geting better.

saraanne | @saraanne | 3 hours ago

I want to share my GCA experience in case others might want to try non controversial things while on the meds.

I was diagnosed with GCA in October 2023. On prednisone for 13 months. While on it I was walking 1 mile every day, meditating every day. No alcohol, no added sugar, no gluten, limited simple carbs like pasta. I ate 9 cups of fruit and veg per day (Dr. Wahls). For pre-existing osteoporosis I added a vitamin K supplement, and continued vit D. My post prednisone bone scan showed a slight gain in bone density, not a loss.
3 months off prednisone without symptoms. (no Headache, jaw ache, scalp pain ).
I’m trying immune system support (pre and probiotics (Seed), concentrated mushroom powder, kefir) for diverticulitis (DV) probably from prednisone immune suppression.
These life style changes were a lot! But I needed something I could do. My docs approved. I’m in remission now. I’ll just have to wait and see about long term results. I’m hopeful.
Wishing you all many beautiful spring days to come.