Back from Biopsy

[Rowboat]

I had the biopsy done today of the left temporal artery. I had a general anaesthetic because I could ( also a long story ). I discussed with the anaesthetist trying some hydromorphone sub cut just one dose to see if it helped the pain. Anyway after a 3 and a half hour wait they did the biopsy. I was taken up to a ward, no pain management prescribed. Asked for phone etc , was 2pm by then and they said I could leave at 3. Went down for a smoke and rang husband. Went back to ward for sandwiches and water, husband came at 3-30pm and I am home. Biopsy results in 7 days. They did the biopsy to cover themselves, being on the pred means I could die from pneumonia and they could be sued unless they can show proof of why (duh already 1 positive biopsy ). So now I wait. If biopsy is positive back to hospital for iv pred or something. If negative they want to test me for everything in the world. That is when I walk out and go to either Sydney or Melbourne. Thanks again for sharing my journey with me and all the help you have given

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

"..being on the Pred means I could die of pneumonia..." That's a new one on me!!

As we've said before it highly likely your biopsy could be negative if they haven't taken a sample of artery that is infected, but that doesn't mean you don't have GCA, just not in that particular piece of artery!

Still it's done now and hopefully things will go better for you.

Take care.

[HeronNS]

Maybe offering pneumonia vaccine would have been more sensible if that was their fear.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

This may sound a bit harsh - but if you have some form of vasculitis the best thing you can do to help yourself is to give up smoking. It narrows the blood vessels within a minute or two of starting to smoke a cigarette and can be the difference between enough blood flow to somewhere and not.

And frankly - they sound as if they have no idea!

[Rowboat]

I know the smoking is bad. I have had a pneumonia vaccine but because I have emphysema ( mild ) any cold I get goes to my chest very easily. And I know the biopsy will quite possibly be negative :(. That is why I have a back up plan.

[SheffieldJane]

Well at least there is some movement on your case. Let's hope things improve from now on. Not impressed with the pneumonia reason given for the biopsy. Odd remark really. But they have been odd, your doctors I mean. No wonder you feel like clearing off.

[Rosedail]

Best to you Rowboat!