Help with GCA

Welcome @cargriff4, I think members here on Connect will agree with you that your journey with GCA is probably not a short one. Here are a few related discussions that you might find helpful:
-- Possible GCA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/possible-gca-1/
-- GCA conserns: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gca-conserns/
-- Questions About GCA and Diet: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/questions-about-gca-and-diet/

There are also quite a few discussions on GCA treatments that might be helpful. Here's a search link that lists the different treatment discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/

Do you mind sharing what treatment you are currently on?

Started June 16, 60 mg prednisone...multiple tests,and biopsy a,week later, positive results! 3 days in hospital for 1000mg treatments...Saw a rheumatologist two weeks later. Now on 50 mg prednisone and weekly flosamax!
Am waiting for insurance to approve Rinvoq Rheumatologist ordered blood testing and ,as a,result, has approved this as additional medication!
Be well!
God bless!

Hi. I was diagnosed with GCA in March 2025. Your prednisone protocol is similar to what mine was. I found the prednisone very helpful for reducing inflammation, it further suppressed my already compromised immune system and I caught frequent colds. I now wear a mask whenever I go into a store.
I’m not familiar with Rinvoq. My rheumatologist prescribed Actemra. I have been getting weekly shots since April 2025. After a year my insurance no longer approved Actemra, so now I’m on Tyenne. My rheumatologist said I’m in remission. In September I’m going to have a procedure to have a balloon inserted in my major femoral artery which has a 6 inch blockage. My rheumatologist told me this would likely happen, despite the weekly shots. It’s a strange autoimmune disease! Treatable but not curable. This is a good platform.
All the best to you!

@cargriff4
I started 60 mg prednisone in March. Rheumy added methotrexate and Rinvoq. May he dropped methotrexate, added Actrema IV and lowered prednisone to 10 mg. June dropped Rinvoq. Headache and jaw pain returned so upped to 15 mg prednisone. Okay in morning but by afternoon pain back. I’m not sure if the goal is to be pain free or not. Frustrating ride.
Good luck!

@elizabeth22
Hi ! We’ve connected in the past couple of weeks & you were so helpful!
Having just received this GCA diagnosis about 2 months ago I am still trying to learn as much as I can. This site is great!
My question to you is about your femeral artery blockage. How did they find that? Were you having any symptoms?