Temperal Arteritis

[phleb]

My mum was admitted to hospital yesterday with headaches down one side of her head. The doctors say it is temperal arteritis and need to do a biopsy. Is there a risk when conducting the biopsy, im very concerned. They have started the steroids treatment and they have mentioned the risks involved with this condition. All pretty scary stuff. Anyone been through this and a professional opinion would be appreciated.

[Littlespon]

Yes the Steroid treatment REALLY works-I had this problem last year and was in danger of losing the sight completely in my right eye.I am now on a regime of treatment(for 18 months now)and I feel good but not as good as I used to be.Go for the treatment is my advice-one who know.MJC

[yogasun]

Temporal arteritis can be linked to polymyalgia rheumatic which Mr YS has.
You can have one and develop the other, etc.
There really are no other effective treatments apart from steroids, believe me I have looked into it.

[yogasun]

That should say 'rheumatica' - PMR for short.

[Sqad]

phleb.......excellent treatment and biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis, through a small incision under local anaesthetic.

Don't be scared, no big deal now treatment with steroids has been started.

[phleb]

Thank you my ab friends. I can always rely on you for good advice and reassurance. My mum seems a little better today. And I am less stressed.

[guilliebrougues]

I had a biopsy done for this problem a few years ago. You are given a local anaesthetic, so although you cannot feel anything you can hear everything.
There will be a few stitches where the incision is made, but stitches are removed after a few days. and Usually steroids are prescribed. Which I refused.

[Sqad]

\\\\Usually steroids are prescribed. Which I refused.\\\

I presume that the temporal artery biopsy did not confirm the diagnosis.

If it DID, then it wasn't a very smart move to refuse steroids.

[phleb]

Mums stomach ulcers have been playing up today with steroids shes on omeprazole