I have polymyalgia rheumatic which sometimes travels with GCA. I have also been on high doses of prednisone. At the time of diagnosis, I had the beginnings of cataracts in both eyes. Within six months, I needed cataract surgery. Prednisone is like fertilizer to cataracts. My ophthalmologist removed the cataracts, and my vision was vastly improved. I have, however, had further vision problems related to the dosage or prednisone. If you have time for research, you might want to research what prednisone can do to vision.

The rheumatologist I consulted at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, told me that I needed to quickly report any vision changes to my doctor and to have my ophthalmologist regularly check my eyes. What I have learned is that many ophthalmologists no know more about prednisone's affects on vision than what I have found online. I am considering seeing if I can get another appointment with Mayo.

May advice to you is to do extensive research and to become an assertive advocate.

I am 82 years old. I was diagnosed with GCA approx 5 years ago after 5 months of having numerous tests. My SED rate at the time was 194. I did not have text book symptoms; ie jaw pain, severe headaches, etc. I did have biopsies on both sides of temporal regions with positive results. I was placed on high dose Pred. which I eventually suffered from toxicity - resulting in Parkinson-like symptoms. My Rheumatologist then put me on some sort of chemo drug (don’t know name) monthly for the next 4+ years. I did well on the regimen and inflammation #’s returned to normal. I was off medication for 1+ years but had routine blood work which was normal. November 2024 I had numerous artery blockages and experience a stroke two times in a week. I also had another stroke in February 2025 afterwards receiving 14 days of in-house physical therapy. GCA is inflammation of blood vessels that eventually cause damage to the vessels in the brain. I am on Methotrexate 4 tablets once weekly to control the GCA. Of course, Metho. drug can do harm to the liver. I started on 6 pills weekly and lab work showed it was affecting my liver; hence, 4 pills weekly now.
I hope my story helps someone suffering from what seems like a very little known illness.
After reading people suffering from GMC