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Who has GCA, Giant Cell Arteritis?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Jun 9 4:47pm | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
Hi all. New to this support group and I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m not on any social media platforms, so I’m really sticking my neck out here. But I was diagnosed with GCA a year ago, going to a peripheral artery disease rehab program 70 miles each way from my home twice a week for 12 weeks (yes, that’s 280 extra miles per week), and, although I’m getting results (able to walk longer distances before hitting that pain threshold), I’m still struggling. I see my vascular surgeon tomorrow, and I’m scared it’s gonna mean surgery. I hope this is the right section to share this?? Not sure how these posts work. Thanks!
Replies to "Hi all. New to this support group and I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m..."
@elizabeth22 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You are definitely in the right place to ask questions and give helpful tips to others. Your vascular surgeon most probably wants to do more investigating into your carotid arteries and the only surgery that I’ve heard of is biopsies of the temporal veins. I know that you
Remember, to just take it easy the 1st year or so as you become acquainted with the disease and all that goes with it. Just keep on walking and you’ll build up strength for all the rest. You’ve taken a big step here and that tells me that you’ll do fine!
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@elizabeth22
When you say surgery, do you mean Temporal Arterial biopsies? I had them done on both sides and larger than normal cut, about 3 inches each side. Luckily no GCA, at least in that sampling. Still get the headaches like nails being pounded in my temple area or top of head. I do not want more biopsies done, the docs are going with 99% sure its not GCA since high dose prednisone (80mg and im small) didn't fix the headache situation.
I'm getting a full neurological eval end of June & determine if ive got migraines from concussions and probably PTSD etc.
What surgery are they thinking of doing?