The biopsy was done on my temporal artery just above, and to the left of my left eye on my forehead. I was put under, the doc made a 2 inch incision on my forehead near the left hairline, and ties off both ends of the artery and takes about a 4 or 5mm section of the artery out. I was told the artery would re-route and re-grow itself after being tied off. It took about 15 minutes and then a week of recovery which was just sleeping with head elevated, no bending over or heavy lifting for a week, plus anti biotic ointment on the incision and stitches.
The biopsy was done, believe it or not at Cincinnati Eye Institute, it was done by the plastic surgeon there who usually does eye lifts, and tear duct surgery. After the biopsy my artery was looked at under the microscope and my cells in the artery were Giant. Hence my diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis. An inflammatory auto immune disease. I had 3 months of continuous headaches and saw different docs and had MRIs and Cat Scans with no obvious tumors or issues found. Only when the neurologist checked my hs-cRP blood test did we find the inflammation was very high, this led the neuro to send me for the biopsy which is the Gold Standard for diagnosis of GCA. Unfortunately I was positive with biopsy.
I should note the Surgeon did a wonderful job and most people don’t even see my scar on my forehead until I point it out to them. I have also had 6 months of mild numbness on the left side top of my head while the nerves regrow after the surgery incision. It gets better every week and I only notice it numb now when I brush my hair.
Chuck,
In your report on your condition you mention nerve regrowth. I will advise some that nerve death in extremities due to low B-12 and chemo often leaves damage to the extent that there is no regrowth or regeneration.
A lot of money gets wasted trying to bring regrowth or restoration about. I have had such nerve damage for four years and extensive tests by neurologists. As my stomach was removed it produced Intrinsic Factor which is required for B-12 levels to be sufficient. I now take daily large B-12 supplements but B-12 absorption is tricky and just the minimum RDA won’t due it with a gastrectomy.
Thanks for explaining the procedure and your recovery pattern. Sounds like you received excellent care.