Hello, I've been dealing with GCA since 2019 and was only diagnosed after losing sight in my left eye. I live in Indiana, USA, and could find no information, help or support. It seemed no one knew what it was. HU has been a blessing, and that group kept me sane and provided me with all the information I needed and the courage to advocate for myself.
I had a flare of the giant cell arteritis and needed IV treatments of 1250mg per day for three days to save the sight of my right eye, I lost a little. Well, I was just a few months from 84, and after those treatments, which I welcomed, I felt 'old' for the first time....my head always felt about 35-40!! Now I am 84 and feel it.
I was referred to the neurologist I see regularly to monitor seizure meds I take. In my high school years, I had seizures but have been seizure-free for 48 years! As soon as I saw her, she said she knew right away I had Parkinson's. My tremors were pretty bad, I stuttered, had trouble walking, and it seemed I constantly urinated, like a part-time hobby!!
She started me on carbidopa-levodopa, and it is my third day. I'm happy to say I don't know anyone with this disease and though I have looked at some reputable sites; Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic I want to know more.
We are all unique, but I want to do as much as possible to help myself and my husband. My husband has dementia but has been so wonderful and caring. I don't want him to know things that might frighten him. It was interesting when we watched the same videos; he cherry-picked subconsciously only things he could deal with...he didn't get the scary stuff, and I was glad. We have one son and DIL, who are really our rocks. They live in Nova Scotia. The other two sons are close geographically but occasional visitors.
HU has profoundly affected my life with GCA, and I would love to be part of your group.