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Biopsy for GCA: Anyone experience earache and discomfort?

Posted by rn1024 @rn1024, May 2 10:34am

Wanted to know if others have had earache, which is accompanied with painful swallowing, with soreness to the back of tongue on the same side where Biopsy was done for GCA , went to ent , no sign of infection, had previously gone to primary was given antibiotics, which did not help, I am on Actemra shots one per week, no prednisone at this time.

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Teri | @tsc | May 3 12:50pm

Hi @rn1024, I had a positive result temporal artery biopsy with no side effects.
Your symptoms sound like GCA. I've experienced earache, neck pain and read that it can effect the tongue.
Is there a reason you're not on Prednisone with the Acterma?
Maybe Prednisone would help.
I just started 40 mg for a GCA relapse. My head and neck pains are easing up, but not immediately.
A doctor told me that PMR responds to Prednisone with cessation of symptoms more dramatically than GCA does.

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rn1024 | @rn1024 | May 3 1:03pm

My Rheumatologist had me on prednisone from Oct. when I was first diagnosed, until Feb. she had me start Actemra in December, when I told her about ear problems told me to see Ent, did not give it any importance. Thank you for you input.

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Teri | @tsc | May 4 6:42pm
In reply to @rn1024 "My Rheumatologist had me on prednisone from Oct. when I was first diagnosed, until Feb. she..." + (show)
@rn1024

My Rheumatologist had me on prednisone from Oct. when I was first diagnosed, until Feb. she had me start Actemra in December, when I told her about ear problems told me to see Ent, did not give it any importance. Thank you for you input.

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Do you get regular CRP tests for inflammation?
Also, if you get any visual disturbance go to the ER.
Hope you get some answers.

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