Immunology

[Webbyj]

Hi. Has anyone been treated by or seen by an immunologist? I have only seen Nephrologist and once recently (upon my request) a rheumatologist. Why does Vasculitis care come under rheumatology and not immunology? Sorry if it’s a silly question I’m just curious. Thanks

[Dancerina]

Vasculitis can be caused by a primary immune disorder like CVID... treating the immune disorder helps to reduce the inflammation. Instead of getting upper respiratory infections or GERD or other common problems, the weak immune system allows vasculitis to form. My son's immunologist did have a rheumtologist look over his case but the immunologist does his bloodwork and monitors infusions and meds. The neurologists read the MRIs and work on the GPA vasculitis and brain granulomas and neuro side effects. It took 10 months of testing and trial and error from many experts at several major university research hospitals and eventually a brain biopsy to get a diagnosis.

[jgold]

I am seen by nephrologists, but they also work on immunology - presumably because kidney transplantion depends on the immune system not rejecting the new kidney. This then links to vasculitis as this is an immune system disorder. Their vasculitis work embraces any form of the disease, not just where it has caused kidney damage. They also deal with other immune disorders such as lupus.

[Mooka]

I see an immunologist but that’s because rituximab reduced my immunoglobulin levels to a point where I have to have injections to replace it. I believe some people with Vasculitis are treated with immunoglobulin infusions but I don’t really know how that would come about. My immunologist is very knowledgeable about Vasculitis and Bronchiectasis and always asks about every aspect of my health. My usual Vasculitis doctor is a nephrologist.

[trebar]

Yes, Webbyj. I have been treated by an immunologist, a nephrologist ( because my diagnosis was first diagnosed by a kidney biopsy about 12 heard

[trebar]

Sorry - sent too soon! Biopsy about 12 years ago. Have also been seen by an endocrinologist, a cardiologist , a dermatologist a neurologist and by the Vasculitis team at Addenbrookes, Cambridge. I think my kidney doctor oversees things, though. It can all get a bit confusing at times! Oh, also the rheumatologists. I hope you get on all right.

With best wishes for a healthy. and happy 2020.

[Webbyj in reply to trebar]

Thank you for the reply. I saw the rheumatologist today and the decision has been not to treat but to keep a closer eye on everything. It’s a bit scary not having been on any maintenance drugs since April but so far so good!!

[michichgo]

Hi Webbyj.

This is not a silly question at all! I'm across the pond in Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

I do not see an immunologist, nor have I ever been approved to be treated by this type of specialist. I see MANY specialists but not an immunologist. My nephrologist (as MPA did significant damage to my kidneys) and rheumatologist monitor my lab work and oversee my maintenance medications.

Wishing you good health,

Michele

[Hidden]

I have Rheumatoid Vasculitis, a complication of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The rheumatologist who treats me for RA diagnosed my Vasculitis and is now treating me for both. As Vasculitis is recognized as an autoimmune disease, it does come within the remit of Rheumatologists.