An update on me. I am still dealing with all this but am doing better. The only symptom I have is fatigue (no pain) and it is not that bad. I can’t do our summer 10+ mile walks but we do 3 - 5 mile walks frequently. I’m still on steroids and have side effects from them. I am “tapering off” the steroids but won’t be off them until next year if all goes well. I didn’t recover as quickly as I had hoped - thought I would be done with this by now. But I’m not.
I find it hard to accept that this has happened but am learning to deal with this new reality. I read a health forum for GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and others feel the same. Many were very fit (runners, bikers, hikers) and are not happy that they can’t do what they did before.
Interesting news yesterday that the actor Aston Kutcher announced that he had a rare form of vasculitis and was nearly blind and deaf from it, plus could not walk, for over a year but is now recovered. There are many types of vasculitis. It doesn’t sound like he has the type I have. They are all auto immune diseases that affect the arteries. And no one knows the cause.
Actor says he was diagnosed with vasculitis two years ago but has recovered and the ordeal made him strong
www.theguardian.com
We are doing our usual September trip to Switzerland, driving from the UK, as we did both summers of the pandemic. We were never the strongest of hikers but we will be doing easier hikes this year. More time sitting and enjoying the view I think.
I hope you are all having a good summer! It is way too hot and dry here in southwest England.