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GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica)

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 25 10:20am | Replies (277)
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@valerie6062

Prior to my GCA diagnosis last August my husband and I had a difficult time involving the death of our beloved mini schnauzer Darcy and a big, necessary financially decision to relocate . We are 80 and 90 years old . It was a very emotional time as we were leaving friends and family . It is a 4 hour drive to visit .No sooner had we moved into our new home and become parents to a new pup, then I had this diagnosis. Now I suggested to my DR that my immune system could be compromised because of the big life changes but he said "no". I still wonder though.

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Replies to "Prior to my GCA diagnosis last August my husband and I had a difficult time involving..."
Teri | @tsc | Sep 17, 2023

Hi @valerie6062, I apologize for repeating myself, here, but I'll leave this post as is.
I think you make a valid point. I can't imagine the heartache of losing a precious pet, then managing a drastic move and relocation on top of that.
There are genetic markers for PMR and GCA, but, there has to be something to cause the immune system to go into overdrive and attack the body. My mother-in-law came down with GCA after returning from a long road trip that involved a family reunion, my maternal aunt got symptoms after injuring her back, and I had an ankle injury first, then pain and stiffness throughout my entire body a few days later.
I've read that injuries and/or stress can aggravate the immune system.
I wonder if everyone with the genetic markers, most common in Northern Europeans, and especially Scandanavians, develops PMR and GCA.

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