Woman Raises Awareness About Giant Cell Arteritis Risks

A woman from Vancouver Island, Enise Olding, is urging greater awareness of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease that can lead to sudden blindness. Affecting mostly individuals over the age of 50, GCA can cause severe headaches, jaw pain, and fatigue, among other symptoms. Olding’s personal experience with the disease, which she was diagnosed with in early 2017, highlights the urgent need for public education about its risks and symptoms.

The condition primarily causes swelling in large blood vessels, particularly those in the head and neck. If left untreated, the narrowing of these blood vessels can severely restrict blood flow to the eyes, resulting in permanent vision loss. Despite its severity, GCA remains under-recognized, prompting Olding to share her story in hopes of preventing others from experiencing the same fate.

Olding, a former competitive swimmer and journalist, was initially unaware of GCA until her eyesight began to deteriorate. Her journey began when she experienced stiffness and pain in her hips, which she attributed to overexertion during fitness classes. After consulting her doctor, tests revealed she had Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), often a precursor to GCA. A subsequent temporal artery biopsy confirmed her diagnosis.

“I was fortunate that my vision was not impacted,” Olding stated. “Immediate treatment with medications and attention from an ophthalmologist helped me manage my condition.” Since then, she has gradually adjusted to her new physical limitations, focusing on building endurance and flexibility.

Understanding the Symptoms and Risks

GCA is most prevalent among individuals of Northern European descent, particularly women. It is considered a medical emergency due to the risk of vision loss, necessitating immediate treatment with high-dose steroids such as prednisone. In some cases, GCA may manifest as a stroke, leading to misdiagnosis by healthcare professionals who may mistake it for more common ailments.

“The early symptoms can be vague,” Olding explained. “They include unexplained weight loss, flu-like symptoms, and pain in the shoulders and neck.” This lack of specificity can delay diagnosis, making awareness crucial.

Olding emphasized that GCA can affect both genders and may occur at younger ages. Many individuals may not recognize their ethnic backgrounds as risk factors, which could contribute to a lack of awareness. “There seems to be no way to prevent GCA at this point,” she noted.

Living with GCA has profoundly affected Olding’s daily life. “The biggest challenge was realizing that my life, as I knew it, would never be the same,” she reflected. Transitioning from an active lifestyle to one marked by fatigue and limitations has required significant adjustment. Simple tasks, such as grocery shopping or meeting friends, now require careful planning based on her energy levels.

Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

Olding highlighted the importance of prompt diagnosis to avoid complications like vision loss. The typical diagnostic process includes a physical examination, blood tests such as ESR and CRP, and often a temporal artery biopsy. “Early treatment is crucial,” she stated, noting that high-dose corticosteroids are the standard approach, sometimes supplemented with IL-6 inhibitors.

Her ongoing treatment involves monthly monitoring and medication adjustments. “The swift and appropriate medical care I received made all the difference. The professionals involved took my symptoms seriously and referred me to specialists,” Olding said.

She urged others to recognize the warning signs of GCA. “I’ve met individuals who lost their sight as their first indicator of a problem. Others experienced persistent headaches or neck pain,” she said. Olding believes that increasing awareness about GCA is vital, as many may not associate their symptoms with this potentially debilitating condition.

Olding’s experience serves as a reminder that health education and awareness can play a crucial role in recognizing and treating conditions like Giant Cell Arteritis. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to seek medical attention promptly and to advocate for greater awareness of this serious health threat.