Yes, you are very fortunate to live within driving distance of a Mayo Clinic. I am going to be speaking with my Eye, Ears, Nose Throat Specialist who was the first one to pick up on the possibility of Temporal Arteritis and see if he can write an Rx for an Neurological Eye Exam so that it can be covered by Medicare instead of a routine eye exam. Yes, I have become frustrated but am very grateful that I have been in communications with you and several others on this Board. I am trying to just deal every day as it unfolds now and calm myself down as it seems to aggravate the condition with stress and worry. I am confident that I will get to the bottom of this within the next few weeks, but it seems like it could be an easier process from my view point. Also, I plan on staying within the Aurora Network as it appears to work more efficiently with internal communications and accountability than the other major health organizations we have here in Milwaukee. As we get older, we don't need nor want more aggravations. Have a great Mother's Day!

After my GCA diagnosis, I was referred to an ophthalmologist and got the most thorough 2 hour eye exam I have ever had. Every six months I get a shorter exam to monitor any changes. I am satisfied with my current care, and even though I live a short drive to Mayo Clinic, I will give the Methotrexate, my Rheumatologist recently prescribed, some time to resolve my rash/itch until calling Mayo for an appointment.

@captainkenny - Do they have any idea on what is causing the rash? I think it is very interesting to see how the GCA patients end up being diagnosed by a variety of specialists. I asked at Mayo why the GCA patients end up in different departments and they said it just depends on who diagnosed the condition.

I was lucky my doctor diagnosed GCA at my first appointment, then referred me to a dermatologist, after itchy rash appeared five months later, to determine its cause—allergy to my meds or GCA related? After he treated me for 2-3 months with several trial meds, more blood lab work and two biopsies on both hips, he concluded it might be part of my GCA, but wasn’t conclusive. Presently still on two anti histames meds—over the counter, Zyrtec and Rx Hydroxyzine, which partially relieve the itch. Recently started seeing a rheumatologist who didn’t think it was related to GCA and prescribed trial Methotrexate in addition to my present 10 mg of Prednisone to see if it would resolve. I’m not complaining; lots of you have it so much wose than I do. I am also grateful for my early diagnosis, subsequent treatment, and for the medical professionals working like detectives to locate the culprit. And I’m hopeful for a positive prognosis.

@captainkenny - I feel the same way that I was lucky to be diagnosed after one month. Lots of frustration before the diagnosis but lucky I did not go blind. I can’t wait to get off of the Prednisone but continue my slow tapering. The only problem I have had is with my Rosacia. My dermatologist told me it would get worse as I taper down and she has been right. I use my Metro gel twice a day on my face trying to control it. Some small problems but so far I am doing okay. It will be interesting to get the results of the ACTH Stimulation Test which will be done on 22 May 2018. I hope to have the results the same day. Mayo is great about getting the results to the patients the same day they are done. When you had the biopsy was it only done on one side? I only had to have the right side done. They did not knock we out - just a local by the ear. We waited about 15 minutes in the operating room for the call and it was positive. I was happy they did not have to cut the other side.

My rash was resolved with use of Mometasone Furoate USP. Cream lightly used. Keep it controlled. I had my rash for at least 4 yrs or more. This cream got it

I am presently using Rx for Triamcinolone ointment 2X a day or as needed which provides some relief of itching; however, new lesions still present regularly. Thanks for the Mometasone Fuorate cream tip which I will mention to my doctor. Did your doctor seem confident your rash was linked to GCA, or was he just trying it to make the determination?

I only needed my biopsy on right side too. It was a simple procedure done by an ENT.

@charann2000 - I saw my optometrist yesterday for my 6month checkup. She said because I have a few other problems with my eyes she codes them with the different problem and now has added the GCA. She said if Medicare does not cover something you can always go back and dispute the denial.

Hi Tinkerbell, Just wanted to update you and everyone else with Temporal Arteritis, I called my Nose, Throat, Ear Specialist who originally thought that I may have this disease and told him how disappointed I was in my selection of the RA Specialist which I saw about two weeks ago and he referred me to another within the Aurora network whom he knows treats/diagnosis Temporal Arteitis, only thing this new RA Specialist is booked until August 22nd. I am going back to see my Nose, Throat, Ear Specialist on June 5th, so he said he would write an order to a biopsy and I am going to also ask him write an order for a neurological eye exam also at that time.
Thanks for the input regarding coding....coding is the key to everything within medical billing it seems. So far, I have not had as severe of an attack as the day that I self-admitted into the ER but it waxes and wanes and really never completely disappears. At times I have had floaters in the left eye, but several years ago I had them for the first time and had a comprehensive eye exam by a doctor of optometry/surgeon and no serious issues were found at that time. So with that said, I don't know if they are normal or related to Temporal Arteritis. I am not going to try to worry more than I have at times, but I am still going to continue to pursue this. I take Excedrin Migraine caplets at times and they offer a little bit of relief...even if it is just psychologically. Thanks for the input regarding getting six month eye exams. When you were on Prednisone did you suffer any issues with your eyes or other vital organs. Also, I am thinking on having a Vascular Surgeon do the biopsy of the artery. Did you experience any severe pain or discomfort and/or scarring from the procedure?