Feature on Temporal Arteritis in 'Woman's Weekly' magazine.

[Kendrew]

Just wanted to say that I've just read a health article in this weeks 'Woman's Weekly' magazine, headed 'Coping With Temporal Arteritis'.

I was all prepared to be quite scathing about it's content, but perhaps our message is getting through!!

It covered pretty much all the key points from signs & symptoms to all the various treatments, beginning with steroids but also mentioning other immuno-suppressant drugs and biologics.

- It explained that its rare in people under 50, (but expressed like that, makes it clear its still possible.)

- It explained about the urgency of seeking treatment straight away because of the serious visual consequences if left.

- It mentioned the connection with PMR & GCA.

- It named and explained about the various diagnostic tests but also said to see your GP if you suspect you may have it because; "They'll discuss your symptoms.....". ......a small nod possibly to symptoms being necessary & part of the diagnostic process. I'd like to believe so anyway.

Obviously the article is a brief look at the condition, and only provides a short overview of all the complexities involved.

I felt it was 'a start' though and maybe just a little spark that may begin to ignite a better understanding.

Wouldn't that be lovely!

PS. If anyone is interested, the magazine issue is dated 23rd January 2024.

[Greensleeves]

Thanks for sharing this , it is encouraging.

I’m still astonished when even medical people refer to PMR , as my “arthritis “.

It would be lovely if there was more understanding. I’ve wondered if there has been an increase in people being diagnosed since the Covid vaccines .

Mine started shortly after getting the flu jab, but it was also something experienced by my mum and never treated . If we’re predisposed that’s that .

I’ve become more mindful of GCA of late too .

I love curling up with a magazine or a good book and a pot of tea and biscuits.

I’ve got a shopping delivery coming tomorrow, I’ll try and add it to the shop . ❤️

[Kendrew in reply to Greensleeves]

Hi Greensleeves,

I really don't know how strong the link is between vaccinations and the onset of PMR but I do know there are many people who definitely feel their PMR was triggered by a vaccination.

My father had PMR for the last 8yrs of his life and my sister too for 4yrs, so I would say I probably was always going to be predisposed to developing it too.

My PMR began a few months after being ill with a flu virus and I'm pretty sure the two were probably linked.

[Greensleeves in reply to Kendrew]

Hello Kendrew

I can’t get the magazine with the shopping , so my daughter is picking it up for me .

I don’t know if they’ve done studies on vaccinations and the onset of PMR , it won’t make any difference if we still have to get vaccines , but helpful to know.

I’m sorry your Dad had it for so long, there’s definitely a genetic factor there if your sister had it too .

The flu virus must have ignited yours , unfortunately.

It is a horrible condition, I can’t even begin to imagine how people managed pre steroids .

Take care ❤️

[Kendrew in reply to Greensleeves]

You too.

[Charlie1boy in reply to Kendrew]

Hi,

Interesting about your Dad and sister having pmr. We were out for a drink last night with friends from a next door village, and we learned that the guy’s Dad - an eminent doctor from Harrogate, had two bites of pmr, yet lived to be 100, and was still playing golf well into his nineties! There’s hope for us all!!

Also one of the Doctor,s children got gca, and another one pmr, so that was three from the same family, and there’s still time for our friend to get one or the other as he’s still only66 years old!

[Kendrew in reply to Charlie1boy]

That's really interesting, particularly as the conditions are frequently described as not hereditary!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Kendrew]

What is considered a hereditary disease?

Hereditary diseases, also known as inherited diseases or genetic disorders, are defined and categorised as being a set of genetic diseases that are caused by changes in one's genetic material (DNA)

PMR and GCA are not hereditary diseases in the true sense, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible for them in certain circumstances…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kendrew]

They aren't hereditary - that would require specific genes that cause them and can be passed on from parent to child.

What IS passed on is a constellation within the genome that predisposes you to develop them IN RESPONSE TO A TRIGGER. The genome stuff remains inactive until one or more trigger kicks it into life.

medlineplus.gov/genetics/un....

[Kendrew in reply to PMRpro]

So the genetic variations are inherited...not the disease itself?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kendrew]

You could put it that way, yes.

[Exflex in reply to PMRpro]

This article in the conversation describes the random nature of producing antibodies (about 2/3’s down). So maybe autoimmune disorders a bit random too, stimulated by the insults on our bodies.

theconversation.com/what-if...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exflex]

Good one!

[Charlie1boy]

I know, but it surely can’t be just coincidence can it?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Maybe we are getting there ...

[PMRrunner]

For anyone in North Yorkshire Woman's Weekly magazine is available to library users online through the Libby App.

[Raewynne]

I wonder if the magazine comes to Australia.?Maybe it can be read online.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Raewynne]

It is online, but you need to subscribe for a few - don’t have to take out a yearly sub…

magazinesdirect.com/az-maga...

[Raewynne in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou

[Gimme]

It sounds like a good article. I haven't read it, but it sounds like they would have considered that a large percentage of that kind of magazine will have no medical background, but still got the major points in. Even if it doesn't cover everything, increasing awareness of GCA amongst the general population has to be a good thing. If it gets people to check out their symptoms with a doctor and some people get treatment before losing their eyesight, I would consider that a job well done. Hopefully, in time, that kind of outcome for patients will become a thing of the past.

[tangocharlie]

What a brilliant idea, well done to the Author, do you know who wrote it? Fran or Dorothy Byrne? All publicity of GCA and PMR is good, helps raise awareness bit by bit.