Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Vasculitis can be caused by an allergy, or come along with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. Have they excluded RA and Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome?
(Sj�gren's syndrome is an inability of the body to produce the needed moisture... think dry-eye, cottonmouth etc. It can be a standalone disease, or secondary to RA or lupus.)

You should be on a corticosteriod. (Those weaken your immune system, so they may also order antibiotics along with the steroids.) Sometimes they also order low-dose chemotherapeutic drugs.

It's a chronic condition, so if vasculitis is the correct diagnosis, it is something you will deal with for the rest of your life. With proper treatment, it won't shorten your natural lifespan.

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} I know this is scary. Hang in there. I'm glad you're seeing an internist, but you may want to see if they can bump up the appointment. A few weeks is a long time when you're in pain.

--------------------
Knowledge is power.

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator