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Who has GCA, Giant Cell Arteritis?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Jun 9 4:47pm | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
@bettsgca Thanks so very much for your encouragement! I feel so, so lucky that I was able to get into Mayo. The level of care here is incredible. That gratitude has kept me feeling safe, positive, & hopeful even through the set backs. Sometimes when I project too far ahead, wondering how this will affect my husband & my so far nice retirement, I get anxious but then I tell myself ONE STEP AT A TIME! Just happy for the little wins & living in the present. Thank you again!
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@momac59 Hi. I have been diagnosed with GCA for about 20 years. It started with PMR. I was on prednisone for about 2.5 years at first (took that long to become weaned off prednisone). Now I am on Methotrexate. I have had the beginning of a relapse a few times, but I contact my doctor soon and usually a small increase in dosage (or in the past a change of medication) resolves it. My relapse usually begins with a sensitive scalp, and sharp headaches. I usually give those symptoms a few days to just make sure they don't go away before contacting my Rheumatologist. The signs of a relapse for me are not dramatic (like vision issues) but less serious, and are easy for me to recognize.
Hope this helps to reassure others regarding my long term experience, Prior to my diagnosis I had no knowledge of GCA or had even heard of it. Very thankful that has not impacted my day to day life in any major way. I get apprehensive when I begin to get signs of a relapse, but have confidence in my doctor that she can help me. I know that places like the Mayo Clinic are there to help also. I just make sure to take my medication and have regular visits with my doctor.