Now a biopsy

[polymy]

Hospital rang me yesterday as I have to have a temporal artery biopsy under local anaesthetic. They wanted me at the hospital for 8 o’clock. I explained about my accident and fractured bone in my back. I could never have been ready for 8. After an altercation she made me an appointment for a week on Thursday at 12. I have to use a wheelchair when going out. Sometimes receptionists overstep the mark.

[jinasc]

How long on pred and what dose?

[polymy in reply to jinasc]

I was on 20mg pred for PMR when I developed the jaw problem and one sided headache. Was immediately raised to 40mg for3 weeks. Now on 30mg.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Might be a bit pointless by then ...

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Totally agree. Why they do it, beats me. Invasive and not really necessary.

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

My symptoms have disappeared so I’m sure you are right. Would there be any residual sign that inflammation had been present?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to polymy]

Yes - the histology should be able to see if there is healing inflammation present as well as other signs. Why they do it? Because it IS incontrovertible evidence when it is postiive and that isn't a bad thing. A clinical diagnosis can always be disputed at a later date by someone who didn't see you - and often is.

[Retailmonkey in reply to PMRpro]

I guess we need more availability for ultrasound. Hearing the research results at the BRS Conference today along with fast track appointments it really does look where we ought to be going

[polymy in reply to Retailmonkey]

I had an U/S last week which was negative so Im unsure why they still want a biopsy.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Retailmonkey]

It is - but there is an article in the Telegraph (I think) about a warning that 1/3 of NHS services may disappear because of cuts (whether intentional or not) in the number of immigrants, wherever they are from. They are desperately short of staff already - of all sorts.

[polymy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for that. I feel more friendly disposed towards it now that I know it could provide useful evidence of GCA. I guess I am fortunate to have had the U/S as well.