Hello, my first time here, hoping for some help! I developed symptoms of GCA (temple pain, scalp pain, headache, jaw claudication, swollen squiggly temple arteries, scalp sensitivity, eye soreness) a month ago, following a bout of covid in October.
However, due to my age - 45 - I have struggled for a diagnosis and therefore treatment.
A rheumatologist did a blood test which was normal (CRP 0.9, ESR 2) and an ultrasound which was normal. Ten days later, as my symptoms worsened, we repeated blood tests (CRP 0.6, ESR 2) and ultrasound. Again normal.
I saw another rheumatologist for a second opinion, but he also said nothing more could be done.
My symptoms are quite severe and I am sure the covid triggered them. I would like further investigations - such as PET scan or biopsy - but no one will do them given my age and normal test results. I cannot try steroids to see how I respond, as I am allergic.
Do you have any advice on how to take this forward?
Many thanks!