Please help. Doctors think im crazy

Posted , 7 users are following.

I'm a 21 year old female and have multiple symptoms of TA and have for over a year! It started after giving birth to my daughter last February. My vision went bad and now I can't see far away. Then my artery over my temple's have became extremely swollen I can feel them "popping" out and they are noticeable. Sometimes I get a feeling of pressure in them and sharp pains! Multiple doctors say im to young to have this and they do "face checks" and that's about all. My local hospital also says the same thing. Im at a loss! I do have chronic sinusitis and impacted wisdom teeth. Could that have something to do with swollen temple arteritis? Im very worried, and I just found out im pregnant so im stressing out even more not knowing what this could do!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Maggie, I'm so sorry to hear of your undiagnosed health issues which must be doubled with all the work that comes along with a baby to care for. 

    I am not a dr, but I will say that it is highly unlikely you have GCA, (TA). However, you clearly are experiencing symptoms of something, what I cannot say. You say that you have trouble with your wisdom teeth and sinusitis, and maybe these conditions are causing your new symptoms. Either way, if your GP says it's not GCA ask for a referral to a specialist, what type I'm not sure of, but you cannot go on with such worry. I would firstly see an optician, then a dentist then possibly a ear nose and throat consultant, as I think in your case, it's a process of ruling things out and as these are your established medical conditions, get them checked to see if they are the culprits. I wish you all the best. Regards, tina

  • Posted

    Maggie, sadly it isn't impossible to have TA at your young age - I once heard of a young lad diagnosed in his teens.  Of course, it's quite possibe for your pain to be due to another cause entirely, and as far as impacted wisdom teeth are concerned - all mine were impacted and removed at the age of 24 in the hope that a mysterous, nasty rash around my lower face would resolve as a result, especially as I was about to walk down the aisle a few months later!  At the time, my dentist said that impacted wisdom teeth could cause problems "in your big toe" for want of a better way to describe it.  I had the op in hospital.......the rash disappeared!

    ​However, do ask your GP for immediate referral to a consultant rheumatologist to carry out tests to either confirm TA or rule it out.  If you are in the UK, roughly wherabouts - in case we can recommend a good rheumy?  In the first instance, as Tia has suggested, you could make an appointment with a good ophthalmologist or optician - not just one who dispenses specs but one who will thoroughly examine the back of your eyes with the relevant equipment to check for any sign of problems suggestive of TA - for example a halo effect.  

  • Posted

    I can relate to all you say!

    It is not easy to find the specialist we need

    efficient and able to understand correctly our symptoms.

    We have to find that bright one researching going to a ER of our local hospital, asking to our GP.

    I have GCA there are three years - I relate to your symptoms.

    You will end up to find the right one.

    Wish you all the very best!

    🌺

    You

  • Posted

    There is a form of GCA which only occurs in juveniles. But the basic question before we could offer any suggestion is: where do you live? No use me telling you to demand a referral to someone in London UK when you live in California for example! 

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