Eye test sorted

[Poll8]

Just to let you all know, had a very thorough eye test today and am very happy that no GCA detected...she thought my xrays showed very healthy eyes for a woman my age! (71) Mild cataracts, but nothing else to concern me. We had a long chat about GCA and what I should be aware of so, came away very pleased. Now I just need to figure how what's causing the head and jaw probs. Will be contacting Rheumy and suggesting we start from scratch and definitely take things a lot slower this time. Hoping that will give all the side effects time to settle. Thanks everyone for your very helpful and sensible advice. Will let you know how I go on. Good luck to you all

[SnazzyD]

What a relief! Our eyes are so precious. That’s one thing out of the way. I would though, discuss with the Rheumy what is the likelihood that GCA is in the head vessels that don’t serve the eyes. This is why some of us get impaired hearing or funny headaches in the back of the head and of course jaw problems. The eye arteries are not the only place the giant cells appear. Good luck on the diagnosis trail.

[Poll8 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi SnazzyD, Gosh, something else I didn't know...this is a long and winding road. Will have a chat with Rheumy and hopefully get to the bottom of all this..Thanks for the info.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Poll8]

My own GCA/ Large Vessel Vasculitis was diagnosed by a specialist Ultrasound Scan where the “ halo effect” was spotted in the arteries of my armpit. I have a thorough eye check every few months by my well equipped optician, initiated by me. My Rheumatologist thinks it unlikely that my eyesight will be affected. My main symptoms have been headaches and feeling unwell. I had differing blood pressure in each arm.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Poll8]

Further to SnazzyD comments - see picture of some of head arteries affected -

Cranial GCA

[123-go]

Good news there, Poll8. It's a relief to be able to talk to professionals and for them to listen and explain. I hope your appointment with your rheumy continues in the same vein. Knowing about your own condition is enabling and allows you ask the right questions and I'm pleased you have found this forum helpful. Good luck as you go forward.

[Marijo1951]

I'll just add to the comments that it isn't always the arteries serving the eyes that are affected by GCA. In my case the main area of pain was at the back and sides of the head. My biopsy was taken from the artery at the back of my right ear and was positive. I was undiagnosed for several months and am eternally grateful that my eyesight wasn't affected.