Hi I'm new to the group. I had temporal artery biopsy done yesterday , should know results early next week. Currently on 60 mg prednisolone per day for last 2 weeks. My case is not typical so will be looking for advice on how to manage my symptoms.
Regards , Irene.
Hi Irene, and welcome.
As you have been on Pred for 2 weeks, your biopsy may come back as negative, but that doesn't mean you don't have GCA - despite what others may think. There are many reasons why the biopsy doesn't show positive.
Think you'll find there are many on here that are atypical!
When you're ready ask questions please - you will get plenty of advice. In the meanwhile read as much as you can, or want to, to find out about GCA.
Look forward to hearing from you again.
Thanks for your prompt reply, just feeling a bit fragile today after yesterday's biopsy. Can I contact you through this site tomorrow as I would like to share some of my concerns, symptoms with you and really need to be in contact with someone who's been through it.
Regards Irene.
Come back to us when you feel up to it - it takes a while to come to terms with everything, so give yourself time to think about things. There will always be someone to answer your questions and support you when you need it.
Take care.
Hello Irene, and welcome from me, too, although I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with GCA.
Apart from DL and myself, there are many other people who post here who also have, or have had, GCA, and I'm sure I speak for us all when I say we will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have from our own experience, not only with GCA but also with steroids, so do ask away!
There is also an excellent book, 'Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: a survival guide' by Kate Gilbert, available on Amazon or direct from PMRGCAuk, pmrgcauk.com, with all royalties from the sale being donated to the Charity
There are also many support groups dotted around the country where you can meet up with others rather than feel alone as you embark on this new 'journey' through the maze that is GCA and steroids. pmrgca.co.uk/groups/
Visit pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk and you will find loads of information on GCA and PMR. Booklet called living with PMR and GCA, a DVD etc.
On the home page there is a map, which has links to support groups throughout the UK.
You can and will get through this - just remember Knowledge is Power and it is a steep learning curve, but help is available now - there was very little 9 years ago.
Is this GCA? My first post here. 
First post
First Post
Lost and somewhat despondent, avid reader but first post!
First time post.
