Twelve years ago, whilst in my early 40s, I was diagnosed with small vessel ANCA negative Vasculitis. My symptoms began as a persistent cough, a low grade fever and elevated heart rate. Over the next few weeks, I became very fatigued and began to lose a lot of weight. I was admitted to hospital and underwent a series of tests. Blood tests indicated inflammation and problems with kidney function. Following a kidney biopsy, I was diagnosed with Vasculitis and began treatment with high dose steroids and immunosuppression. After three years of treatment, there was no further sign of illness and I no longer required medication. Five years later, I had a flare, with a repeat of the original symptoms and began immunosuppressant and steroid treatment again. I am now healthy and active and off immunosuppressants once more. I attend a Vasculitis clinic regularly and monitor my kidney and heart health at home, so that I can detect any changes which may predict a future flare.
