witho
05-20-2008, 05:36 AM
Hi
I'm Suzie Withers, age 36, originally from London (UK), currently living in Southampton (UK).
In March 2007, after feeling unwell for a couple of weeks with flu-like symptoms and after failing to respond to antibiotics (from a suspected kidney infection), a blood test revealed that I had acute renal failure and I was admitted to hospital. Further tests and a kidney biopsy confirmed that I had WG.
During my stay in hospital, I was treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone, was dialysed twice and had ten sessions of plasmapheresis. I was hospitalised for 2.5 weeks.
I remained on cyclophosphamide for 3 months, and then switched to azathioprine, which I am still on today and will remain on until September (i.e. 18 months post diagnosis). I am on a maintenance dose of pred (12.5mg every other day). Whilst my creatinine is higher than normal, my kidneys are functioning well and my consultant is very pleased with my progress.
I consider myself lucky that only my kidneys were affected, and that I was diagnosed very quickly - I just happened to be admitted to a renal unit under the care of a vasculitis expert!
Over a year on, and I am living a normal life - working full time, swimming and running regularly (in an attempt to get back my pre-pred shape!) and still waiting for my very long hair to grow back (it's currently about 5" long - thanks, cyclophosphamide!)
Looking forward to connecting with other "Weggies"!
Suzie
I'm Suzie Withers, age 36, originally from London (UK), currently living in Southampton (UK).
In March 2007, after feeling unwell for a couple of weeks with flu-like symptoms and after failing to respond to antibiotics (from a suspected kidney infection), a blood test revealed that I had acute renal failure and I was admitted to hospital. Further tests and a kidney biopsy confirmed that I had WG.
During my stay in hospital, I was treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone, was dialysed twice and had ten sessions of plasmapheresis. I was hospitalised for 2.5 weeks.
I remained on cyclophosphamide for 3 months, and then switched to azathioprine, which I am still on today and will remain on until September (i.e. 18 months post diagnosis). I am on a maintenance dose of pred (12.5mg every other day). Whilst my creatinine is higher than normal, my kidneys are functioning well and my consultant is very pleased with my progress.
I consider myself lucky that only my kidneys were affected, and that I was diagnosed very quickly - I just happened to be admitted to a renal unit under the care of a vasculitis expert!
Over a year on, and I am living a normal life - working full time, swimming and running regularly (in an attempt to get back my pre-pred shape!) and still waiting for my very long hair to grow back (it's currently about 5" long - thanks, cyclophosphamide!)
Looking forward to connecting with other "Weggies"!
Suzie