GPA related problems

[Beaver]

Hi,I am a GPA sufferer of some 13 years, and although I feel the best I have for along time, following a recent PET scan I have now been diagnosed with additional health problems, which I assume are all related to my illness.

Diverticulitis , R sided pleural thickening, Spinal osteopenia, & Hypogammaglobulinemia.

Anyone else with a vasculitis condition experienced any of the above? Waiting for a biopsy on the chest. My consultant has written saying a telephone call follow up in 6 months. It’s all very worrying, especially the R sided pleural thickening.

[Grizzly-bear]

Glad to hear you’re feeling better but sorry you’ve discovered these problems. I’m not sure about the pleural thickening but the other things you’ve listed can all be caused by Prednisolone or other immune suppressants, so if you’ve been on steroids it’s possible they’ve caused the diverticulitis, spinal osteopenia, & Hypogammaglobulinemia, rather than the vasculitis.

Hopefully someone else can comment on the pleural thickening.

[Beaver in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Hi thanks for your prompt reply. I guess that’s the price we have to pay for taking medication that has kept the Vasulitis under control. Without which I wouldn’t be here now! Now need to do my research on keeping these other issues under control. Could do without the extra pressure of Covid though. Stay safe.

[Mooka]

I have hypogammaglobulenmia caused by rituximab. I have immunoglobulin replacement therapy which has improved my IGG but not my IGa or IGm. I also have Bronchiectasis as a result of all the chest infections I had when my immune system was so low. I have spinal stenosis but that is separate to my vasculitis. I hope you are seeing an immunologist to help you.