Adjusting to life with temporal arteritis

Were you experiencing headaches? Did the dark veins just suddenly appear?

I noticed dark veins about 7 days before the biopsy. I did not pay much attention, I thought maybe it was a rare Covid related thing, and decided to check it out. I literally had no other symptoms. I should add that I rarely get headaches except for sinus ones. I took probably 5 regular strength Tylonol for mild discomfort during the past month.
I have not seen anything like my experience on the Internet or in a posting, so I decided to just post what happened. GCA gone in a month? Of course the tapering off the steroid may be a different story. My care will be from my Internal Medicine Dr. I am not sure at this point how sudden vision loss would be handled or if it is likely. Thanks for your interest.

Yes, you sound like a 'special' case! But very good to know. I have suddenly starting coming down with migraines again. I hadn't suffered one for about 16 years, so something has changed. My rheumatologist is a little concerned about my PMR progressing to GCA. I am praying not! I have not noticed bulging veins and the headaches are not constant, so that is why I wanted to know if your onset of GCA was sudden.

Good morning ...I was diagnosed in August last year after a biopsy. I am 72 yrs. old and this was done with local freezing. I was apprehensive at first but it was not even uncomfortable. It took a total of 15 minutes and with the freezing in, I did not feel anything. The dr. made a small incision with a laser just in front of my left ear and there were no stitches....just a butterfly bandaid. Hope this helps ease your concerns..

I noticed dark veins about 7 days before the biopsy. I did not pay much attention, I thought maybe it was a rare Covid related thing, and decided to check it out. I literally had no other symptoms. I should add that I rarely get headaches except for sinus ones. I took probably 5 regular strength Tylonol for mild discomfort during the past month.
I have not seen anything like my experience on the Internet or in a posting, so I decided to just post what happened. GCA gone in a month? Of course the tapering off the steroid may be a different story. My care will be from my Internal Medicine Dr. I am not sure at this point how sudden vision loss would be handled or if it is likely. Thanks for your interest.

@kimh. My onset to GCA was gradual, and unfortunately not recognized as such by E.R. doctors until I presented with loss of vision in my right eye. I was feeling very unwell, had "head pain" mostly on right side, fatigue, and had gone to E.R. five weeks in a row without that diagnosis.
I'm relieved you're in the care of a rheumatologist. Headaches are one of the symptoms of GCA. Mine presented as right-sided temporal pain at first, not headaches. My scalp was also very sensitive to touch, and somewhat painful too.

I'd suggest you research Giant Cell Arteritis on the Mayo Clinic site, if you haven't already. Knowledge is power!

Wishing you improved health soon.
Laurie

@sophie32 I've been fighting GCA since 2018. It's never a short term issue. Glad you're in the care of a specialist. Steroids are one of the important medications for controlling the symptoms. I was on Prednisone for 1 1/2 years, and have been on weekly Actemra injections since November of 2019.
Warmest regards,
Laurie

Not familiar with they medication . What is it and is it helping! I have dealing with this for many years . So right it is not short term.

@kimh. My onset to GCA was gradual, and unfortunately not recognized as such by E.R. doctors until I presented with loss of vision in my right eye. I was feeling very unwell, had "head pain" mostly on right side, fatigue, and had gone to E.R. five weeks in a row without that diagnosis.
I'm relieved you're in the care of a rheumatologist. Headaches are one of the symptoms of GCA. Mine presented as right-sided temporal pain at first, not headaches. My scalp was also very sensitive to touch, and somewhat painful too.

I'd suggest you research Giant Cell Arteritis on the Mayo Clinic site, if you haven't already. Knowledge is power!

Wishing you improved health soon.
Laurie