MY LIFE SO FAR........

I have decided to start a blog during my time off work to pass the time and also keep everyone updated on why I'm off work. You can follow if you want. No biggie. I just needed a place to write how I'm feeling and not post everything on Facebook or remember to include people in e-mails!!!

My diagnosis: (incase you want to know lol)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)

What is Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)?
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) is a rare form of vasculitis mainly involving small and medium-sized blood vessels. The disease can affect most parts of the body. It commonly affects the sinuses, nose, throat, lungs, ears, eyes, kidneys, skin, joints, brain and other parts of the nervous system. Not every one with GPA is affected in the same way. Some patients have mild disease, while others may have severe damage to these organs which can be life-threatening.
Who gets granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)?
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) occurs in both men and women and can affect children and adults. Although Caucasians are affected more often, people all over the world can get GPA.
What causes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)?
Wegener's granulomatosis is thought to be an auto-immune disease for which there is no known cause.
How is granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) diagnosed?
The diagnosis of GPA is made by combining clinical features with laboratory tests (including tests for ANCA) and biopsy of affected tissues.
What is the treatment for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)?
Treatment of GPA usually includes a combination of glucocorticoids and an immunosuppressive drug such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or azathioprine. If diagnosed promptly, treatment can bring about early remission and prevent organ failure. It is a chronic disease, and although remission of symptoms is usually achieved, the relapse rate remains high.
What is "granulomatosis with polyangiitis?"
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a new term introduced to replace the name Wegener’s granulomatosis. As the term is being adopted, the terminology “granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s)” has been proposed.
Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) is a blood test most often elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (“lupus”), Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, and other types of autoimmune diseases.