Microscopic polyangiitis.

[dizzy49]

I was diagnosed 4 years ago. The main attack was in my lungs, leaving me with 'leaky lungs'. I am doing really well I have stopped azathioprine, anti biotic, and just recently reduced my steroids to 5mg. I have had a slight cold the past couple of weeks and it has knocked me off my feet. My question is how others cope with leaky lungs and does a slight infection have the same effect on others on this site. Thanks.

[tisme2]

Hi dizzy49 so happy that your feeling good and reducing the meds successfully.

I too was diagnosed with same just over a year ago in Oct 2015. I too am doing ok just now, stopped my steroids 3 months back but will be taking mycophenolate I'm told for another year before consideration to reduce those.

I too started with lung issues but that has cleared up and gone now, left me with kidney problems even they settled.

Cant help with the sticky lungs problem your dealing with but all the best for your recovery!

[dizzy49 in reply to tisme2]

Hi tisme2, so pleased that your health is improving. It is four years for me this year and I am delighted to be reducing my meds. It is just at times like these when it isn't even a full blown cold and I am really struggling with my breathing and could quite happily sleep the clock round. Its like a reminder that things are not what they used to be with regards to my health Saying that I am more then thankful that I am here and on the whole enjoying good health. Hope you continue to go from strength to strength

[luggsey]

Hi Dizzy, it seems like colds and flu knock people like yourself really hard!

The recent cold bug that's doing the rounds is a nasty one, I was told it's between a cold and flu, lasts for weeks and of course is viral so no use taking antibiotics...

My Mum is imunosuppressed and gets a chest infection as quick as a cold. She uses a nebulizer with high concentration salt solution called mucoclear when she has a chest infection. It seems to help her.

I just read an old thread about avoiding infection, it's worth remembering how best to avoid getting infected in the first place.

Most people cough when infected and again most cover their mouth when they do, but using your hand to cough into means everything you touch has virus left on it. It's easily spread this way, you touch the door handle and have virus on your hands, if you touch your nose or eyes now you will possibly infect yourself.

So avoid people that cough or sneeze without controlling it, gel your hands when you have been out and about touching surfaces others touch and wash your hands as often as possible!

As a carer part time I had to learn how to avoid catching colds, I have a hand gel in my van which I use every time I get in, keeps my area as bug free as possible. If I work around people who have coughs or colds I use first defence nasel spray, it works! I also take a zinc tablet every day, I'm not unwell so check with your Dr before taking any supplements.

This regime works for me and I only seem to catch a cold from my Mum now! She can't always catch a cough..

Prevention is so much better then cure, I hope my methods can help someone else.

Ps. I'm not like Howard Hughes, I'm poor.

[dizzy49 in reply to luggsey]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Luggsey. It is the simplest thing is to make sure you follow the regime as you have described and yet I see time after time people who have poor hygiene when the have a cold etc. Thanks for sharing its always good to have reminders