What causes Wegener's Granulomatosis?

[Chas]

Hi,
I was diagnosed with Wegeners in January this year. I am aware the cause of Wegener’s Granulomatosis is not known after being told by my doctors and what I have researched into so far.
But I have found a few articles in studies done that associates Wegeners with exposure to dust and silca dust (glass dust) and silicon compounds.
I would be interested to know what types of environment other Wegeners sufferers have been exposed to, if any?
I myself have worked in a whisky bottling factory for 38 years and the working environment is very polluted with carboard and glass dust.
I look forward to hearing replies from fellow sufferers.

Regards
Chas.

[Sangye]

Chas, the items you listed are the only known causes of Wegs. Because of that, I would say that you probably have a very strong Worker's Comp case if you chose to pursue it.

I know of someone who proved his Wegs was caused by exposure to solvents used in printing, but I haven't seen studies confirming that so I don't know how he proved it.

[drz]

Chas, the items you listed are the only known causes of Wegs. Because of that, I would say that you probably have a very strong Worker's Comp case if you chose to pursue it.

I know of someone who proved his Wegs was caused by exposure to solvents used in printing, but I haven't seen studies confirming that so I don't know how he proved it.

Did you also refer to a case where a person got Workmen comp for asbestos exposure?

[Sangye]

Yes, I think it was asbestos but I'm not 100% sure. A teacher's classroom walls or ceiling had major construction work done and she became severely ill immediately.

[Natalie]

I was diagnosed while working at a chicken abattoir. plenty of nasty bugs floating arond there and always thought my wegs stemmed from there .

[pberggren1]

I was diagnosed while working at a chicken abattoir. plenty of nasty bugs floating arond there and always thought my wegs stemmed from there .

What is an abattoir?

[gwenllian111]

I first had WG when I was 14 years old, so my poor mother was convinced it was something she'd accidentily exposed me too (ie. Garden pesticides). However, in school, I had the MMR vaccination twice as the original school records had been lost - there was some debate as to whether that had my immune system react abnormally.

The reality is, the WG is here, it's not going away, so what can you do? I don't think a 'cause' will ever be determined.

[Daggar]

I first had WG when I was 14 years old, so my poor mother was convinced it was something she'd accidentily exposed me too (ie. Garden pesticides). However, in school, I had the MMR vaccination twice as the original school records had been lost - there was some debate as to whether that had my immune system react abnormally.

The reality is, the WG is here, it's not going away, so what can you do? I don't think a 'cause' will ever be determined.

This post sent a chill up my spine..... Gwenllian, you were the same age as Holly at the time of diagnosis. In our never-ending search for "answers" I've always looked at the possibility that we may of exposed her to something that caused the WG but can't think of anything other than the vaccinations.

She has had "chronic uti's" since very young and was placed on antibiotics for extended periods (off and on).... I'm not sure if that confused her immune system??

The first thing that the doctors told us when we sat down with them at the time of diagnosis was "there is nothing you've done or could of done to change the outcome". To this day I'm still not sure that statement is correct but it helps you focus more on the "here and now".

If it is exposure to toxins in the home... .why aren't more family members who have experienced the same exposure inflicted? This would also appear to rule out the "genetic" factor.

I'm beginning to think that there are quite a combination of factors needed to cause WG .... maybe there needed to be a viral infection (cold bug) at the time of toxin exposure or vaccination???

Our FP's comment that it's like being hit by lightning seems appropriate now that the dust has settled.

[Sangye]

If it is exposure to toxins in the home... .why aren't more family members who have experienced the same exposure inflicted? This would also appear to rule out the "genetic" factor.

There are many factors that affect how a person will respond to toxic exposure. If one's liver function is impaired (not at a medical level, just not optimal function) they might not detox chemicals out as quickly as a housemate. Or maybe they have more body fat, allowing for greater absorption of fat-soluble toxins. Also, there are multiple biochemical detox pathways that only work properly if all nutrients involved are at optimal levels. Or they might have vertebral misalignments affecting the nerves that supply the liver, kidneys or GI tract (all necessary for detoxification). And I could think of at least 20 other non-genetic causes!

There are numerous inherited weaknesses that might affect detoxification as well. Exposure to certain toxins mutates the DNA.

There was a great PBS documentary by Bill Moyers years ago called "Kids and Chemicals." Here is the transcript if you're interested. NOW with Bill Moyers. Transcript. May 10, 2002 | PBS You can also buy the DVD. While we can't do anything about the fact that we already have Wegs, we can certainly do a lot to limit how many other people get diseases that are linked to toxins.

[Daggar]

Interesting -- "1 step forward -- two steps back". Regulatory bodies can't seem to keep up with industry and all the new products out there.

Sangaye -- are you familiar with this article?... Candida: Causes and Effects; Implications for Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivit | ENCOGNITIVE.COM