Patients like to take part in research but d... - Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis UK

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Patients like to take part in research but don't know how. Help us to understand what the problems are. (Multi-choice) Leave any comments

Suzym2u profile imageSuzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK132 Voters
100
Would you be willing to take part in research if you had the opportunity?
64
Have you ever taken part in a research study or clinical research?
23
Have you ever tried to take part in research but found obstacles in your way? Please leave appropriate comments.
10
Would you not want to take part in research, please leave any appropriate comments
69 Replies
TM1970 profile image
TM1970

Trials are always over by the time I get to hear about them

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toTM1970

If you look at the VUK website from time to time we do try and keep up with the latest information via the news page such as this one

vasculitis.org.uk/news/vasc...

Or by the research pages

vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

Or by the professional page

vasculitis.org.uk/professio...

AmyS1 profile image
AmyS1

Happy to help with research

Kezzia profile image
Kezzia

Anything to help understand this dreadful illness

Keithtim10 profile image
Keithtim10

Would like to help

anthony01 profile image
anthony01

When speaking to Consultant he feels due to having more illnesses than just Vasculitis, it will be too confusing, which long term illness is doing what?

LouiseSpencer profile image
LouiseSpencer in reply toanthony01

As long as you met the eligibility criteria you can take part...

Jackie1406 profile image
Jackie1406

Would like to take part in Research to help find a cure for vasculitis.

linjoyfrench profile image
linjoyfrench

Would like to help. I was really lucky that my GP recognised that I needed a hospital referral on my first visit to her. The consultant ordered countless tests before treatment could start. With more research, hopefully more people would have a quick path to diagnosis

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply tolinjoyfrench

There is more research if you follow this link it will give you more info vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

Nadine99 profile image
Nadine99

Husband usually takes part, he doesn't always know he is, I tell him where to sign!! It's usually just your agreement to have data used, sometimes extra blood tests.

Greenkit profile image
Greenkit

I am on The Biobank and The Rudy Study. These are now done by email for updates.

Just waiting to see if i am selected for the feasibility FAB-V Study which was posted on here earlier this month.

Whatever research is going i would always see if i can help, i have been declined on a few as you cant be on medication that is the only downside.

Greenkit profile image
Greenkit in reply toGreenkit

This is the link for the feasibility study if anyone is interested, it is taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

healthunlocked.com/vasculit...

Katie18 profile image
Katie18

Two of the studies were in Birmingham and they require lots of travel so makes it difficult to take part. If I knew about ones in leeds that would be much better.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toKatie18

I am sure Leeds are a centre which is taking part in the UKIVAS registry , you could make enquiries here is the link vasculitis.org.uk/professio...

Katie18 profile image
Katie18 in reply toSuzym2u

Thanks Suzy. My care is under Airedale and Manchester - and Manchester did recruit me to a study. I gave initial details then haven't heard since. I will contact Leeds research dept though and ask

nicholls profile image
nicholls

Always help with trials if I can. Sometimes because of other meds I cannot take part. Or because of one of the other illness that I have. Don't always know what could be available.

purvis64 profile image
purvis64

Anything that may help I will do if I am able.

Lck33 profile image
Lck33

I would love to take part in trials in auto immune vasculitis and relapsing polychondritis and any other auto immune conditions

jane1964 profile image
jane1964

I found criteria for trials were restrictive so although I wanted to be in one study I didn't qualify.I did take part in another about treatments for fatigue in pbc, a liver condition and I found the process very good.Generally I find it quite hard to find out about trials my consultant doesn't mention them I have to research for them myself and it can be hard to find out about them and their recruitment criteria.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply tojane1964

John and I wanted to take part in research a few years ago at Birmingham hospital , me as a Healthy control and John as the vasculitis patient. I was accepted but John was refused as his vasculitis was thought not to be stable at the time and he was also Suffering from the after affects of a cold. He was very disappointed, but came with me when I took part, and was very enthusiastic, not sure I was quite as enthusiastic , it was quite a heavy day.. but it was certainly worth taking part. Birmingham are doing some more research at the moment if you look at this page it s called the FAV-V Trial at the bottom, click on the link for more details. vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

jane1964 profile image
jane1964 in reply toSuzym2u

Thank you I will have a look at this.I have pbc and an as jet undiagnosed muscle joint problem which has features of vasculitis so this may be useful for me.Thanks again.

Jane

Wrigglymonkey profile image
Wrigglymonkey

I was asked (at Addenbrooke's) before I even had the full diagnosis. Still participating.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toWrigglymonkey

This is not usual , but Addenbrookes is a multidisciplinary centre for treating and managing Lupus and Vasculitis so many clinical trials take place here. Hope all is going well?

Wrigglymonkey profile image
Wrigglymonkey in reply toSuzym2u

It is the TRIAD Study, which simply involves me giving a bit of extra blood from time to time at the same time as clinic visits. I had three massive infusions of steroids followed by 6 infusions of chlorophosphamide and now two of Rituximab. Progress has not been quite as good as hoped so I'm having a PET-CT scan tomorrow to check that some other infection is not masking the Vasculitis indicators. (That's as I understand it anyway!) Otherwise bearing up - the foot drop prevents normal driving so I've splashed out on an automatic with hand control.

Caro12line profile image
Caro12line

Consultant changed his mind and said I wasn't needed

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toCaro12line

John is always willing to take part in research but he often does not meet the criteria or is not well enough at the time.

Mccheyne12 profile image
Mccheyne12

I have informed my Consultant that I am willing to take part in any Trials or Research regarding Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ( formaly known as Wegeners Granulomatosis ) so he is aware of this. He stated he would contact me if he became aware of any that I would be suitable for.

I would like nothing more than to be part of something that helped understand this condition more.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toMccheyne12

Is your hospital/consultant signed up for the UKIVAS register ? vasculitis.org.uk/professio...

Macedon profile image
Macedon

Happy to take part in research projects but not always possible as live in Australia

Travel would be a problem

cambs13 profile image
cambs13

Happy to do trials

skybluepink profile image
skybluepink

Not diagnosed suspect have when research into my condition as could me Central nervous system ? Written to main Drs who research - no replies.Often their are administrative persons blocking using criteria they don't understand .The NHS seems to have a policy to block research directing the Doctors via directives based on questionable research.ASs for a tier system? In fact NHS damages Health by poor research just treat patients as guinea pigs with Watchful Waiting frequently too late!!!!?

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toskybluepink

Sorry, but I would have to disagree. Research is not about the diagnostic process for an individual.

Vasculitis UK are funding research at the moment for CNSV. (1 per million here in the U.K.) so there are very limited numbers. vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

There are certain criteria to meet when taking part in research and the first and foremost is a definite diagnosis of vasculitis.

The doctors we know who have a special interest in vasculitis work very hard to find better, kinder treatments to treat and manage all the 18+ types of vasculitis.

My husband John was diagnosed 16 years ago when treatments and medications to manage vasculitis were extremely limited. The consequences from John taking oral Cyclophosphamide over a long period resulted in bladder cancer for my John. Because of research and the hard work from doctors and research doctors there are now many better treatments to treat vasculitis. These treatments include Rituximab and biologics such as Tocilizumab. Rituximab was approved by NICE in 2014. Tocilizumab has just been approved to treat TAK. John was part of the process and consultation for these drugs.

Multidisciplinary centres for treating vasculitis such as Addenbrookes, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Hammersmith carry out clinical trials for vasculitis most of the time. The patients certainly are not guinea pigs, they receive some of the best care here in the U.K. But are also asked to take part in clinical and medical research and most do this willingly.

When they do clinical trials they are using drugs that have been developed by pharmaceutical industry. It costs typically one billion dollars to get a drug from the lab to the shelve in the hospital pharmacy.

sarahxxxx profile image
sarahxxxx

Obstacles - kept sending me letters but when I rang they couldn't find a suitable appointment slot so they said they'd ring me back but i just receive more letters. They could organise this more effectively with my consultant as I have consented to the research.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply tosarahxxxx

It is difficult, some research studies are carried out by hospitals and doctors such as the International DCVAS research study , second study down on this page vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

And also the UKIVAS registry vasculitis.org.uk/professio...

Other studies are carried out with individual patients such as the RUDY study , details are second from the bottom of this page

vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

Bluecarol profile image
Bluecarol

I never hear about them but would be happy to help if we can find better ways to cure wegeners altogether or find a way to diagnose early symptoms and understand the disease x

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toBluecarol

Vasculitis UK have been funding research into early recognition and diagnosis look under research funded 2015/2016 vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

tiachibird profile image
tiachibird

The travel time and the location make it difficult

nanaC profile image
nanaC

Diagnosed with Churg Strauss in 2015,I was invited to participate in kidney research, not long after being discharged from Derby hospital. However, I felt that I could not cope with the travel to Nottingham,and the long MRI scans involved at that time.

Through Vasculitis UK I have been interviewed by GLaxo Smith Klein by their rare disease rep, to help with their understanding of the patient experience of the condition.

Am happy to help as and when I can, but it looks like most things would involve travel. GSK actually travelled up to me from Brompton.

jgold profile image
jgold

When I first saw my vasculitis consultant he was almost beaming with delight at having a new "victim" to sign up for his several research projects!

Dirock profile image
Dirock

I am the third member of my family to develop GPA and understandably am concerned for my younger relatives. Whilst in hospital I consented to my DNA being used for research purposes. I also volunteered to take part in genetic research at Addenbrooks even though it is a long way from where I live. I found it disappointing that I never heard anything after I applied. I also got no response at all to my email a few weeks later asking whether my application was successful. Clearly it wasn't but a little communication would have been welcome. A doctor at Manchester Royal was more helpful but couldn't progress genetic investigation as I had no DNA from my now deceased relatives with GPA. The hospital where my relatives died could not help in locating their tissue samples as their records could not be found: annoying because kidney biopsies were carried out - unfortunately 30+years ago. In short yes I am most willing to help but I am a bit sceptical!

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toDirock

There is genetic research happening at Addenbrookes and I will give you a link to make further enquiries about your application.

cuh.org.uk/vasculitis-and-l... I think Dr Ken Smith and Dr Lisa Wilcocks are the leads.

There is now a BIO bank of blood and tissue samples ( stored ) at very low temperatures, for future use in Gene Mapping, however this would not have existed 20/30 years ago when genetic testing was still in its infancy.

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine

I have been diagnosed with Vasculitis, the only cure is Prednisolone but i am alergic to this drug as it causes many side effects on me. Am looking for an alternative, please advise. Elaine

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toEandelaine

What type of vasculitis have you been diagnosed with.. ? If you don't mind me asking

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine in reply toSuzym2u

Large vessel vasculitis. Eandelaine

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toEandelaine

At the moment NICE are looking at the possibility of approving Tocilizumab for GCA but this might take a few months yet, and there is no guarantee it will be approved.

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine

yes would like to help elaine

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine in reply toEandelaine

can you suggest anything? thanks Eandelaine

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine

Large vessel vasculitis Eandelaine

in reply toEandelaine

Hi Elaine,

Unfortunately prednisolone is the mainstay of treatment for large vessel Vasculitis but Methotrexate and Mycophenolate can be used as well.

Have you discussed this with your Consultant?

One of my problems is travel. We have no transport so rely on patient transport. Plus multiple conditions make it difficult to prioritise which condition to concentrate on for research,

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK

If you look on the VUK website we always try to keep up with the latest trials and also fund some or co fund some

vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

vasculitis.org.uk/research/...

vasculitis.org.uk/professio...

deebeau profile image
deebeau

Yes I would be willing to take part in a research opportunity. I have Rhumatoid, osteoarthritis, and Vasculitis arthritis and I have had 5 chemotherapy treatments for it. I am still on 20 mg. of prednisone and 7.5 mg of Percocet a day for my pain and inflammation. I would like to get off of the two pills because I've been on them for about 3-1/2 years already. The Doctor doesn't seem to know what to do for me. I pray someone can help me. I just want to feel better again. I also have a caterack on my right eye that needs to be removed but the doctor is making me wait because they are afraid of infection. Please help me.

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply todeebeau

Have you contacted the helpline to see if Lynn or John can help vasculitis.org.uk/contact

Loobyloo57 profile image
Loobyloo57

Would like to take part, vasculitis is so debilitating and has psychological effects as well.

Derek profile image
Derek

The "Have you ever .........." poll questions refer to the past tense. I am currently taking part in at least 2 research programmes, one initiated when I was still able to give blood and the other (years later) post diagnosis when asked by the hospital rheumatology team who look after me. Should the poll include, "Are you currently involved in ........."?

Jools52 profile image
Jools52

I've been on clinical research for Crohn's meds. One helped so much but the downside is when the research was done you didn't have the chance to carry on taking what helped and that was devastating

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toJools52

That must have been devastating, did you receive any feedback regarding the medication?

Jools52 profile image
Jools52 in reply toSuzym2u

None whatsoever but I was asked to take part again but you can understand why I turned it down. To have something actually work and change your life is incredible, to then take it away was dreadful. We were told, prior to the study, if it helped we could get it for a further 6-9 months. This never happened and I was sent the obligatory thank you for participating letter.

The IBD nurse tried to rationalise it by saying it coukd have been placebo. Poppycock

Suzym2u profile image
Suzym2uModeratorVasculitis UK in reply toJools52

I have not heard of this before - will investigate further

Jools52 profile image
Jools52 in reply toSuzym2u

You are welcome to and I hope it doesn't waste your time

Mal06 profile image
Mal06

Constraints have been - too tight response time, questions can't answer but the system won't let you 'miss' answering, so while questionnaire is ruined.

Susie_b profile image
Susie_b

Tried to take part but declined as not yet in remission

Justjudes3824 profile image
Justjudes3824

I am taking part in the GENVAS research project and the UKIVas research project

skybluepink profile image
skybluepink

An admin person on a remit using criteria without reason is blocking as when dod my MA Case studies were the most important not statistical questionable research .If you can't get diagnosis because of rationing the NHS has cause it is not fair to abandon.

vivdunstan profile image
vivdunstanVolunteer

Usually when I've checked out research they are either (1) not for my type, usually ANCA-associated only, or (2) they involve visits far too far away for me to travel. Yes I know V-UK is increasingly funding CNSV research, which is progress.

Eandelaine profile image
Eandelaine

yes i would be interested in taking part for research, if it was to do with Large Vessel Vasculitis

grindhaus profile image
grindhaus

I would love to take part in research and studies. I have a very rare condition and I want very much to contribute in anyway to the growing body of knowledge that would perhaps help people in the future to get better, faster diagnoses and better, more effective treatment.

However, I often do not qualify for one reason or another, European studies don't want US folks, too far away... I'm ANCA negative....etc.

Studies in the US often involve travel, which can be difficult sometimes. For being a big city, Atlanta, GA does not seem to be host of studies in this field, you often need to travel to west coast, Mayo Clinic in Rochester or Minnesota, far away from me.

If they just wanted history, questionnaires and regular blood tests, scans etc. I could do that.

But studies that involve treatment options, different medicines etc, are harder, because I do not want to interfere with the treatment plan that is in place through my healthcare team.

Also, my healthcare group here, Kaiser Permanente, does not seem to take part in research efforts with university groups etc. though this may be changing of late.

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