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Giant Cell Arteritis Diagnosis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 3, 2023 | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
@katclub and @khmc:
My story is exactly the same as yours, @khmc, except that my GCA began in 2019 and was confirmed with biopsy, plus partial loss of sight in right eye.
I'm still on Actemra too, with injections every 14 days, following about a year of Prednisone.
Stick with your Rheumatologist, @katclub, and hang in there. The Prednisone will have you feeling much better for now, and your Rheumy might switch you over to the easier Actemra in the future.
I'm feeling almost normal these days!
Warmest wishes, Laurie
Replies to "@katclub and @khmc: My story is exactly the same as yours, @khmc, except that my GCA..."
Thank you so much
I did my first Acterma injection tonight.
2 weeks bloodwork, then I’ll hope prednisone reduced in another few weeks.
I feel a tightness in my calf, with injection, I did it in my thigh.
Did you have Acterma issues?
Carol
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@khmc, @katclub and @colleenyoung Not wanting to frighten you, @katclub , but as a new GCA patient, it's important that you heed @khmc's comment on glaucoma and GCA/Prednisone. YES, all true! I've got glaucoma now, which started a few years ago and has recently escalated rather quickly over the last six months. My Opthamologist first suggested I use OTC Systane gel 4 x daily, and later prescribed Monoprost to be used at bedtime as well because the eye pressure had risen. Last month, the Opthamologist prescribed yet another eyedrop, Azara, 2 x daily, and wants to see me again in only 2 months because my numbers had risen once more, in a short period of time. So now I'm using three kinds of eyedrops daily!
It's very important that you have regular eye care, @katclub.