Adjusting to life with temporal arteritis

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

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.

Thank you.

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.

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.

About a year and a half behind you, so you are a pioneer for me! Hope you are doing well....
Almost made it to 88 with nary a dx or tx. Happy Birthday in February of this year included GCA dx and beginning Prednisone. tx. Weird experiences both. Next Monday April 28 I begin monthly Actemra infusion for a year as well as going on the fast track Prednisone taper. Will see what happens. Like you, I am active (e.g.,a staff writer for our 142 year-old hyper local independent weekly newspaper Wet Mountain Tribune, many physical projects at the ranch, walk everywhere I can, etc.), mediate twice daily, For 35 years or so, have used mineral and vitamin supplements as do you; mine include: B12, C (I know it's been discredited, but I still follow mega dosing promoted by Linus Pauling; one thing for sure--creates expensive urine!), CoQ12, Ginko Biloba, Lutein, a probiotic, and a men-over=50 one a day....Like you, waaaaaay cut back on sugar, lotsa fruits and veggies for decades, but unlike you, use gluten free here and there but also ordinary breads (some of which I bake) and pastas, and have maintained decades habit of a Pinot Noir wine in the evening....
Don't know what lies ahead....of course pain free while on Prednisone protocol, not sure what to expect as Actemra kicks in, prednisone kicks out....

Hang in there...I start a year long monthly Actemra infusion protocol next Monday, April 28, and a fast track Prednisone taper....pain free on the prednisone of course, but not sure what to expect as Actemra kicks in and prednisone kicks out....I do take several vitamin and mineral supplements, and have done so for over 30 years, maintaining all that during this weird experience (I almost made it to 88 with nary a diagnosis or a pharmaceutical protocol, and for February Happy Birthday, received both, thank you very much)....that is highly individualized, so I will not "recommend" to you what I find sustaining for myself.... your MD could advise, or not...
Verigo no fun, glad it's fading for you...

Not at Mayo, but local rural hospital, Salida, CO...chose to go under because I'm a fraidy cat...all went well, wife drove me home...yes, painless...treating stitches afterwards very simple...stitches removed painlessly two weeks later...but results were negative, as apparently is often the case...proceeding though with "Suspected GCA," and enter Actemra infusion protocol and fast track prednisone taper next Monday, April 28...
Hope you're doing OK...

I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR 10 months ago. I started with 60 mg prednisone a day for 6 weeks, and I started taking weekly Actemra injections a month after being diagnosed. I didn't notice anything from the Actemra, other than occasionally being a little tired the day after the injections. I'm currently at 5 mg a day of prednisone and still taking the weekly Actemra injections. I haven't had any issues since starting treatment.

I've read that it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months for the Actemra to take full effect.

Good luck with your treatment!