crhp194 (@crhp194)

That blood type which I have among other other compromises like age, GCA, heart surgery in 2016 was stated in The NY Times.
Best of luck to all of us with that blood type.
Carol

So glad to hear that. Charann. I have had no flare ups with the GCA but MRIs show irs still there. Take care and wish you the best. Carol

Hi Charann,

I have had GCA since 2016. I had no symptoms but it was discovered during open heart surgery. I do not have temporal arthritis symptoms…therefore, no pain. However GCA needs to be treated so I was on prednisone and methotrexate. The prednisone was tapered after about 2 years and I no longer take it but still taking the methotrexate. I have had no problems with it except that now if affects my lung and kidney tests. Mayo says the numbers are ok for now. I send them a blood test every three months. Worst side effects were with the prednisone with weight gain. I am one of the lucky ones as I have been able to tolerate every med given to me. Do not assume you will suffer because you may not. In the meantime, I wish you the best. Stay safe, stay well. Carol

I do not have or take care of a person with RA. Thus I am unable to help…so sorry.

John, I got the Shingrix while I was on prednisone for GCA and had no reaction. Saw too many people with Shingles and including my mother. I got the vaccine when I was 74. Asked my rheumatologist at Mayo and he said no problem getting the vaccine. Take care and stay safe.

I think I must be one of the three blind mice. I don’t think I was depressed at all but did have a sense of awe. The need for open heart surgery came very fast after some tests at Mayo so I didn’t have time to think about it. I had a total arch replacement and an aneurysm repair. Was in the hospital 8 nights and had to go home with oxygen. Still, I felt well, if a bit tired. I was just so grateful to Mayo, the doctors, the kind after care…thankfulness was my main emotion. However I can certainly understand depression about heart surgery, especially for young folk. I was 72 at the time of my surgery. Whatever you feel, I hope it will ease for you. Rehab helps as you can compare notes with others who have been in the same situation. I have another aneurysm that is not quite big enough for surgery. I really don’t worry about it but do keep going for checkups each year at Mayo. I have all the faith in the world for Mayo. Best of everything to all of you heart patients! Carol

Yes it has abated some but for 3 days, it was bad. First day better today but still not gone but bearable.

Thank you, John.