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Well, there we are then. Rheumatologist has decided that I have probable gca.
Probable because of the negative biopsy and blood results.
I'm to begin reasonably slow steroid reduction and start on alendronate
A DEXA scan is on the way too.
Next appointment is in 2 months so fingers crossed that the reducing regimen goes to plan.
Have a feeling I'll be asking for help from you guys for some time yet!
Personally I would not take the Alendronic Acid until I had had the results of the Dexascan. If your bone density looks good you may not need it.
Your rheumatologist seems quite positive though.
At least it's a step forward and based in symptoms..hurrah. but not good you have GCA. Questions are always good so ask away!🌻
Hi Linda3009. Your Dexa Scan results maybe good and therefore you won’t need Alendronic Acid. It is a serious drug. Personally I wouldn’t take it unless I absolutely had to. I would rather take vit D, Calcium and vit K2, eat a healthy diet and do weight bearing exercise.
DorsetLady in particular is going to be a priceless source of information and support with your GCA.
Just to add my tuppence worth - no AA before the dexascan result ...
Thanks for the warning.
I've given this drug to countless patients over the years. Should I feel guilty?😲
Why does the dr suspect GCA without a positive biopsy? I am new to all this and just wondering as I am having headaches in addition to muscle pain. I see the rheumy Monday for the first time and anticipation they will probably do some testing for GCA.
Because a biopsy is not 100% conclusive: it is 100% accurate if it is positive for giant cells but when negative it only means they didn't find what they were looking for. There are many reasons for that ranging from GCA not actually affecting that artery even if it is elsewhere, through variations of that including poor surgical or histological technique, to the patient having been on pred beforehand. Then a clinical diagnosis must be made - based on signs and symptoms and response to pred.
Thank you!
Well my blood results and biopsy were both normal, but that's fairly common in gca.
The diagnosis is based on the clinical symptoms (headache, scalp tenderness, double vision) and the fact that they cleared up within 24 hours of starting prednisolone.
I second those who advise against any bone meds unless absolutely necessary - and "necessary" may be far less likely than you might believe. I personally know two people, and through the forums have heard of others, who reversed their osteoporosis completely through natural means. They, in fact, were my inspiration for going natural myself and successfully improving my t-score.
Perhaps now is the time to admit that I started taking alendronate this morning
My background is pharmacy and so I tend toward the pharmacological solution.
I'm aware of the possible pitfalls with alendronic acid, but in 40 years of practice, I've only seen one case of jaw necrosis.
I don't doubt that it happens more frequently, but I guess I can only go with my experience.
This whole thing of being on the patient end of receiving medication has been something of a revelation if I'm honest.........
That might have something to do with the fact alendronate has only been in widespread use for about 15 years. And that jaw necrosis is rare - the formation of microcracks in the bone which can lead to the more common spontaneous fractures is a new discovery allied with the use of alendronate for more than 5 years.
As a physiologist who has done some pharmacology - I'm far less trusting 
Two years after diagnosis
Follow up after biopsy
Fundraising After Diagnosis
PMR diagnosis after Covid
Finally - a diagnosis!
