Connect
Comment receiving replies
Just curious. Is it possible to have GCA without the headaches? I recently had my eyes tested (2 months ago) and got new glasses. I've had PMR for 3 years and am on 3 mgs. Prednisone. My vision in the past few weeks has become blurred when reading and my head always itches. No dry skin and I wash my short hair every other day. I have trouble balancing, especially when I stand and close my eyes. I guess I should ask my rheumatologist, but don't have an appointment for another few months, Just curious if anyone else has the head itch and dry itchy eyes.
Replies to "Just curious. Is it possible to have GCA without the headaches? I recently had my eyes..."
A couple of things come to mind. Are your eyes very dry? If so, you will have blurry vision. You can use eye drops without preservatives.
GCA caused my to have intermittent total vision loss about 6 weeks ago.
My scalp itches for weeks at a time and then suddenly stops. My hairdresser told me to switch up on my shampoo and conditioner every once in a while. I don’t think that really helps though. However, it’s not a bad thing to try.
I have GCA and I can tell you there is a big difference between pain and itch of the scalp. Right now, if I dare lightly touch the hair on the top of my head it hurts my head.
GCA is new to me but I also have another form of Vasculitis which is rare, Polyarteritis Nodosa.
Autoimmune diseases are such buggers…
Hopefully you can feel better soon! 🌻
Hi @ncgal, I had PMR, not diagnosed, for a number of months, then a very stiff neck, scalp tenderness, a few episodes of loss of vision in my right eye, little stabbing headpains that were not constant and short in duration, and a very itchy torso. There was no rash. I saw on the tv show "Mystery Diagnosis" that itching can be a symptom of inflammation. I also had a dry cough in the evenings, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Long story short, I had Giant Cell Arteritis. It might be wise to let your rheumatologist know of your symptoms now and get some blood work to see if your inflammation markers are up. A doctor friend told me if I ever lost vision in my eye again to go to the emergency room immediately. I wish you the best.
Connect
You need to see your Ophthalmalogist. As for your dry skin, see your dermatologist. My GP and Rheumatologist are usually not helpful with things like that. Please do not wait a couple of months for appointments. Be pro active. Good luck.