Hi everyone

[HONEYwhite]

Started my 60 mg Prednisone yesterday started within hours feel so much better. I’m now waiting for My temple biopsy appointment but as this is working can’t see any sensible reason for having it particularly with the slight risks involved is this’s just for conformation purposes or are the other reasons thanks

[SnazzyD]

So glad you’re feeling Pred’s magic. Docs like the TAB because a positive really means a positive but the risk of a false negative is up to 20% made higher by the use of Pred. It depends on how long you are on Pred as every day makes an inaccurate result more likely, though opinions vary on how long is too long . Also, will they change your management even if you have a negative result? With hindsight I wish I didn’t have it but I so wanted the possibility of knowing it was worth having my life turned upside down. Some people go for it because it’s a chance they’ll be taken seriously or get the docs off the diagnostic fence. The risks, well as is often the case, they are bad if they happen but the likelihood is small, however it is worth finding out if the surgeon is used to doing them or not. I had a maxillofacial doc whereas some have had a general surgeon.

[SheffieldJane]

I am so glad that you are feeling better. I agree about the seeming futility of a biopsy at this stage. I would want the surgeon to convince me of it’s added value.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good to hear you feel better - and as you say -is TAB really necessary.

I was scheduled for one as a matter of course when diagnosed in A&E, but when I saw Consultant Ophthalmologist a few days later - his view was - unnecessary- but maybe a Rheumatologist might have a different idea.

If if we’re me, I’d check if required.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would ask if it will make any difference to your treatment if it is negative. If it won't, they are sure enough on symptoms and response to pred then I'd not bother.

One point is that you cannot usually be included in a clinical study for GCA without either a positive TAB or ultrasound result. Not everywhere has u/s available. And at some later point you may meet a new doctor who poo-poos the GCA diagnosis. A postive biopsy is 100% certainty - something quite usefull.