A TA/GCA pet peeve

[Boozsa]

Just wondering if anyone with GCA has experienced having their temp taken in the hospital or Doc office with one of those thermometers that they run across your forehead and side of face! My forehead and scalp are so sensitive, it drives me crazy! Anyway, day 3 of waiting for my TAB results. Recovery is going pretty well. I have some drooping of my right eye just below my eyebrow so I’m seeing my GP tomorrow to have it checked. Just wanted to express my annoyance with this type of thermometer

[Mikb]

I have never seen that kind of thermometer

[Boozsa]

I’m in the US, maybe it’s a US thing

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Boozsa]

There are loads of other options. Demand they use one of them.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Never had that though I have had one at home - though for the vast majority of my life I have refused to have one in the house!!! But for me they are no worse than the things they stick in your ear which are so inaccurate it isn't true (proven by a Medical Physics department)

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, one bit of ear wax and it’s pointless. Docs don’t seem to check body hands on or the many any other signs that show that the temp might not be normal.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

OH's department did a study before they were introduced and reported the uselessness - but that must have been the beginning of "nobody wants to listen to experts...". And they hurt - I'd love to have one to stick in some nurse's ears!!! I'm sure the positioning must make a big difference.

[Boozsa]

I hate it. It always makes my face/scalp hurt. It scares me how unreliable medical tests and instruments can be and most doctors rely on them completely in my experience with all of this. I’m still so thankful to read other posts and not feel like I’m the only one. Fingers still crossed for answers and relief

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Boozsa]

Marketing...

[Boozsa]

Having my eyes opened to the dollars and cents of it all has been the sad part along with being treated like a labaratory instead of a patient or human for that matter. I guess we will see what happens with me I would like to say I could be a voice for the “younger” and misdiagnosed but I’m not sure how to be heard in our healthcare environment.

[alvertta]

Always the old fashioned thermometer here in Ontario Canada.

[piglette in reply to alvertta]

The one with mercury in it do you mean?

[alvertta in reply to piglette]

Not sure. It is a machine. They put a clean tip on, stick it in your mouth, dum dee dum, take it out. All done.

[piglette in reply to alvertta]

I have one in my bathroom like that except I don’t have a clean tip for it! You have to shake it to ensure the mercury is correct before starting then leave it in your mouth for a minute or so. I think they are worried about the mercury nowadays, the thermometer might break or something. I did not know about the ones they stick in your ear until recently as I never have my temperature taken at the medical centre.

[HeronNS in reply to alvertta]

It's probably a little electronic one. I Don't think they'd use a glass one with mercury any more.

[alvertta in reply to HeronNS]

I agree. Mine at home is with mercury. Old fashioned.

[HeronNS in reply to alvertta]

At least it doesn't need a battery. We have the old fashioned kind somewhere I think, if we have anything. Threw away the battery powered one as it was only used once and next time we needed it, it was dead.... Marvels of modern technology!

[piglette in reply to HeronNS]

Everything seems to need batteries nowadays it is a real pain and expensive. I seem to spend all my time recharging batteries.

[HeronNS in reply to piglette]

I have recently had a couple of examples about how the "convenience" of the modern world is now causing inconvenience. My little clip on pedometer (which does use a battery and does a number of other things besides count steps but is not connected to the internet) is impossible to replace. Now you have to get something which you wear on your wrist, although I think internet connection is still optional. It's also very much more expensive. And the other thing is one of our local home supply places moved from its convenient (to residents of the city centre) to a big box development on the outskirts. The remaining reasonably convenient location is too small, and it seems is now being frequented by those who went to the location now closed because you can't even find light bulbs on the shelves any more. They are stripped bare! No one wants to drive to the nightmare retail park development, but now you have to in order to buy a stupid light bulb! It's nuts.

[HeronNS in reply to HeronNS]

Where a few short years ago there were trees and wildlife: nadg.com/property/dartmouth...

[piglette in reply to HeronNS]

I sympathise!

[Mikb in reply to alvertta]

Where about in Ontario are you?

[Hidden]

Always in the ear. Often both, many times different, so something must be going on between!

[Dontwannabesick]

I have a naturally low body temperature, average 35 degrees, so if I get to 37 it indicates fever. I told the nurse who came to take mine about this and she said "it's fine, 37, spot on normal" !

[piglette in reply to Dontwannabesick]

I have a below average temperature and also BP, my brother reckons I am on the wrong planet!

[Dontwannabesick in reply to piglette]

Maybe you and me both, then. Can we find a planet where our problems don't exist do you think? Bagzeee me first ticket xx

[Hidden]

The droopy eye was one of my symptons before being dtagnosed withGCA/PMR.

[Mikb]

Beautiful area. Too far from me though for a meet up. You are closer to PMRCanada

[alvertta in reply to Mikb]

Where are you? I asked pmrcanada where she was and no answer.

[Mikb in reply to alvertta]

I am close to Toronto. I think PMRCanada is south of London.

[alvertta in reply to Mikb]

Thanks.

[Meggsy]

My GP likes to take BP the.old way with sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Thinks it is more accurate.

[piglette in reply to Meggsy]

Much better with a stethoscope as you can actually hear the change much more accurately. I have my father's BP monitor from the 1940s when he was a student doctor it is in a beautiful box and his name on a silver disc.

[Boozsa]

So the biopsy came back negative. I don’t really know what to say other than I still believe PMR/TA is what is wrong with me. The problem is I will never get diagnosed or treated at this point unless something a doctor can see/confirm presents it self. So maybe it will get better or maybe worse, who knows. I feel without a future... can’t make plans because of pain and symptoms, can’t work( I went from full time to part time and now on call with days I still can’t do) relationships are falling apart, I mean I don’t even want to hang out with me, basically home bound and doing anything I can (legal) to manage pain without a doctor on my side. Sad but enough whining... thanks for all the info and support.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Boozsa]

A negative biopsy does NOT mean it isn't GCA - it means they didn't find what they were looking for which is a very different thing. However - you will probably have to push for someone to take you seriously enough to look for an answer.

[Boozsa in reply to PMRpro]

I know but as you just said no only will listen especially now. Thank you for all your knowledge and responses. I wish you all good health

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Boozsa]

And I wish you all the best.