Medications for Temporal Arteritis/Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

I understood it to be a blood sample... but the stitches are about 1&1/2 inches long...l will verify that when I can....BUT IMPORTANT for Everyone to know...YOU MUST TAPER Off PREDNISONE...my 85 year old Brain didn't Consider that..@ l am VERY DIZZY the second day,!

Thanks, I shall look forward to hearing what you have to say further on this.....I do believe what you just described was a small sample of your artery was taken and was placed under a microscope to see the width of inner portion of the artery on the temple that you were experiencing discomfort.

That about sums up the procedure

I am scheduled for a temporal artery biopsy next week. It's all been rushed do to severe headaches/blood work. Have a "dumb" question. Why is the artery not reattached after biopsy is taken? do you have to stay on prednisone forever? I'm diabetic and it horrible on my sugars. Thanks in advance

Hello @golfmom and welcome to Connect! As you will find in this community, there are no “dumb” questions. Everyone is here to learn from and help one another.
That said, you will see that I have moved your question into an existing discussion where you can connect with members like @captainkenny and @johnbishop.

How long have you been having severe headaches leading up to the decision to biopsy?

Hi @golfmom, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @amandajro and other members. You are asking a really good question. I would also want to know the answer. That might have been one of my first questions for the doctor or surgeon but it can be hard to remember questions when you are trying to take everything in that is being discussed. Here's a really good explanation of the temporal artery biopsy and why it's done.

Understanding Temporal Artery Biopsy: https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-temporal-artery-biopsy

Normally the goal is to taper off of prednisone as your pain gets better or goes away. Have you discussed tapering off with your doctor? It might also be good to make a list of questions on your concerns as a diabetic and if they have suggestions for things you can do to help.

I have been having severe headaches for about 2 weeks.

Thanks for link! Have not asked about tapering off prednisone...but I will. Taking a list of questions to doctor.

Hello I have GCA. and I am on Prednisone and Actemra a a biologic I give my self weekly by epipen
My side effects are the usual with Pred ..sleep issues and jittery and weight gain and Actemra ..light headedness..actually believe it or not all quite manageable

I go Monday for meeting with surgeon and do an MRI, was told biopsy will be on Tuesday. The MRI was scheduled prior to my GP deciding to send me to surgeon. I guess I should keep the MRI appointment. my doctor has me on butalbitaL-acetaminop-caf-codeine capsule and prednisone. I cannot take meds late in day/night. Get no sleep! Really want off these meds, especially prednisone due to rapid weight gain and being diabetic.