Vasculitis and work

[Abdul]

I've recently been diagnosed with vasculitis WG and I'm in sick leave since then .iv been discharged but I still feel unwell ( fatigue and pain ) . I just wanna ask people here with experience of the same disease will that feeling last long I mean will vasculitis keep me away from my job for awhile and is it disabling ?????? Thanks

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Abdul

The fatigue (and the pain) are symptoms of the vasculitis. Until the vasculitis is controlled these will not disappear. Also the medication we have to take doesn't help and that can lead to increased fatigue. We often feel worse when we start the medication than we did before. That is why in the early stages it is essential that we rest when our body says "enough is enough". An hour in bed during the afternoon was essential for me in the early stages. It isn't possible to fight the symptoms. If you push yourself your body (and the vasculitis) will let you know.

Some of us have felt well and able to go back to work after a few months. Unfortunately some of us are left with residual damage which would make working difficult. Yes, I'm afraid vasculitis can be disabling, not for everyone, but for some.

Why not discuss with your human resources person/occupational health physician (if your company has either of these) the possibility of working on a phased return to work basis, maybe reducing your hours for a while, or say, working three days a week. If you would like some information on vasculitis to hand to them (they probably will have no idea about vasculitis) then contact John Mills and he will send you the info you require.

PatriciaAnn

[Abdul]

Thanks Patricia , really appreciate your response.

[AndrewT]

Hello Abdul,

I do sincerely hope that you don't have the same condition as me. Uncatorgorised(is that right?) vasculitis, which has left me unable to work, I used to have a good job. I am also on dialysis, three times a week. Do let me(us) know, will you? Good luck anyway.

AndrewT