All test neg.

[viamonv]

How did they know you have GCA? All my tests have been neg or normal. Bloodwork, bio and MRI. But they still say I have it.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, currently unless you have a positive biopsy or ultrasound scan which many don’t, they can’t be certain. False negatives do occur so they have to treat you anyway because of the risk of going blind if they don’t and you are positive really. Bloods can be unremarkable too. They then have to go by symptoms, history of them and your response to an appropriate dose of Prednisolone. All my tests were negative but 60mg Pred got rid of my head symptoms within 2 hours when painkillers did nothing.

[viamonv in reply to SnazzyD]

Thats was me as well. I just couldn't believe everything was neg.

[Hidden]

My ESR was slightly elevated and my CPR was normal... The specialist refused to do the TAB as he said the risk out weighted the benefits and there was only a 1/500 chance he would actually find inflammation. He and the A&E doctor, agreed that based on my symptoms, I should be put on steroids as a diagnostic tool. If I improved, we'd all assume it was GCA; if I did not improve, they'd look at other possible causes.

I improved 60% in less than 12 hours. After increasing the Pred to 60mg, I improved 99% in less than 8 more hours.

Lucky freakin me, huh?

[Rusty8 in reply to Hidden]

Did you have FC’s then if so could please tell me what made you think you had it

I have a problem with my eyes

They are very blurry on looking at telly and reading and a bit watery in the corners

Would appreciate anyone help

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rusty8]

Blurriness and the other signs you mention can be due to "dry eye" and it is common with PMR and pred. Ask your optician to have a look.

[viamonv in reply to Rusty8]

Terrible pain in right temple and right side of face.. All tests neg but the meds took the pain away.

[SheffieldJane]

They are going purely on your symptom picture. Better to be safe than sorry.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Symptoms, symptoms...and symptoms!

Just be grateful they are not saying...you can’t have GCA your tests are normal, and therefore not treating you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are no specific tests to confirm GCA except the temporal artery biopsy which, IF IT IS POSITIVE, is 100% accurate. However - being negative does NOT mean it isn't GCA, it means they didn't find what they were looking for. The diagnosis is a clinical one: made on symptoms and clinical history plus response to pred. Better a bit too much pred than not enough!

[viamonv]

Thank you all. I love this page it is so helpful and to all of you.