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.
Written by
Kendrew
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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.
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 .
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!
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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