Blood tests match how I feel......

[AllyGY2013]

I have felt ill for a while, pain in muscles & joints been gradually getting worse & breathing more laboured. Had blood tests which were normal. Developed productive cough back to GP, given antibiotics.

Feel worse, then purple rash on forearms which I recognize so well, breathless & joint pain almost unbearable, back to GP who had organised blood tests ahead of specialist appointment next month (should have been October but delayed due to staff shortages) & lo & behold crp & other results show that disease active - doh, been telling them that for months! Keep taking plaquenil, double up on anti inflammatories & add steroids if no better & pain becomes unbearable.

Apparently results much the same as when I was diagnosed in 2012/13.

See new rheumy end January, but reading up on him not sure what experience he got with vasculitis, fingers crossed.

Happy Christmas!

Ally

[Hidden]

Ally, I am sorry to hear that you are having a flare up. The question is can you wait to the end of January before seeing anyone and starting treatment?

If you are breathless and have active disease in your lungs then anti inflamatories ( I presume you mean Ibuprofen etc ) and Plaquenil aren't going to treat it. At the very least you are going to need some prednisolone to get on top of the inflammation. The last thing you want is permanent end organ damage because your Vasculitis has been allowed to rampage unchecked!

Can your GP phone the Rheumy for advice ( I know you are on an island which makes things more difficult )?

[AllyGY2013 in reply to Hidden]

I take celebrex or naprosyn, currently celebrex because it gives me less stomach problems for which I also take ranitidine

i cant take ibuprofen as it affects my breathing really badly.

I think I'll get the prednisolone script today & start taking them asap. Thanks for the advice Keyes.

Unfortunately I haven't met new rheumy yet & GP wasn't aware old one had left until I told him so communication not a strong point. Hospital think rheumy will be over end January subject to flights and will try to fit me in then.