Not yet. I was planning on discussing it with the Rheumotologist at my first appointment. However, although my GCA has moved quickly from symptoms to testing to diagnosis to beginning the prednisone (Within one month), I am disappointed and discouraged that I cannot get a first appointment with a Rheumatologist until April 2024. My concern is that this will delay the possibility of trying tocilizumab or other options during the prednisone step down period. Plus, although my Primary Care doctor is good, he has only seen this one other time in all his years of practice. I would feel more comfortable having a Rheumatologist create my treatment plan. Thanks for your help.

I may have found a way to lessen my insomnia. I received a “good”” in my Fitbit sleep app and that NEVER happens. So, I take 2 Tylenol P.M. at about 7:45 p.m. and I heat 5 or 6 dried prunes from 7:30-about 9. I go to Ed between 9-9:30 (and set the timer on my tv for one hour with “spa” music playing. I generally fall asleep before the timer turns off the tv. I still wake up in the middle of the night but I can generally fall asleep again. So, maybe this will help someone else with this awful issue. (Prunes, by the way help to produce melatonin). Sweet dreams.