My temples!

[Kael-gca]

Good morning all.

Seeking some clarification regarding my temples! The GP and Rheumy felt the temple area during my initial diagnosis as one of the indicators for GCA. When asked if the area was tender they were surprised when I said no, although whatever they felt confirmed their diagnosis. Wish I had asked what was normal or not about this area. When I check the area now, I can feel a strong steady pulse. Is this good or bad?

Had good news earlier in the week that my Inflammatory markers were coming down to a reasonable level. Discussed the tapering of the Pred. dose with the GP who was far more in agreement with the approach I was adopting after reading the advice from DorsetLady, than the advice of the Rheumy. Been tapering slowly between 35mg and 32.5mg and was feeling fine until yesterday. Had a real slump in how I felt (cold like symptoms, very tired) so holding to 35mg. Feeling better today though.

Hope to get my bladder pain identified next week. This cannot be helping my general well being.

[SheffieldJane]

I always assumed that they were looking for a prominent artery and tenderness, when they examined me in that way.

I hope they can sort your poor bladder out. I noticed the other day that “ urine retention” was in Prednisalone side effects. I wonder if that is why we get so many bladder symptoms and even infections. I know that I have to be mindful of emptying my bladder completely each time.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

One thing they look for is lack of pulse in that artery as that suggests it is swollen enough to reduce the blood flow and is a sign it is affected. Once you start on the high dose of pred the inflammation reduces quickly so the pulse improves. If it is inflamed there it is often tender but not always. And of course, it isn't always involved itself just there but there may be a (partial) blockage further away nearer the heart and reducing the pulse pressure.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

My temporal artery was never enlarged nor tender - but I sure had GCA. Although it is one of the “recognised” symptoms - not everyone has it - same as most people don’t have EVERY symptom. Goid thst you have a strong pulse though, as PMRpro says the blood vessels may well have been blocked in other places, and are now cleared as result of Pred controlling inflammation.

Current symptoms may be something completely separate from GCA, but as I said in blurb re taper, you can always stop or adjust as you need to.

Good luck.

[Kael-gca]

Thanks to all for helpful replies.

[Cally55]

Welcome to the non typical GCA set! I didn't have tender temples which seems to be essential for most GPs and some rheumies in their diagnosis. My symptoms were raised markers, tender head elsewhere, transient vision loss, weight loss and feeling like bad flu. And pred worked like magic!

Top specialists seem to think this is GCA, lesser ones waffle but can't suggest anything else.