Hi All - I found this forum when I was first diagnosed last year in November 2014 and have lurked about, looking for info when I get a flare up or side effect from medication. I am female, and 49 when diagnosed. Was quite lucky it took about a month to diagnosed, but I think I had symptoms for about 6 months prior. I first noticed the joint pain, mainly in my knees which I put down to years of impact sports, then the sweating, which I put down to my age and the constant runny nose, which I put down to my allergies continuing through out the winter. I had been to the Doctor for allergies and runny nose and they gave me Sinutab and other medications but nothing worked. I mentioned at the time joint pain but was told it was just my age etc. Eventually it was the pain in my head and down the right side of my face, blood from my nose which finally I got the referral to a ENT specialist. The pain was worst I have experienced. I was admitted to hospital, diagnosed after a biopsy from my nose with Wegener's and then it was whirlwind of tests MRI, lungs, kidneys etc. Appointment with the Rheumatologist, who told me I was very lucky it was at present only affecting my sinuses and painted a very black picture of the disease which had me in tears for days. I started on 75 mg of Prednisolone and 20 mg of Methotrexate. Everything went along fine, taking medication and monthly appointments. Specialist always painting a black picture and myself always leaving in tears. He started tapering me off steroids, as I had lots of side effects, but generally I was feeling good and my levels supported the tapering. Then I had a flare. I didn't actually know I was having a flare, the pain was all in my ear and I lost about 60% of hearing. I decided to go to a private Rheumatologist, who confirmed after blood tests and another round of tests, yes I was having a flare and increased my Prednisolone again. Anyway, after a period of feeling well and levels good, we have been tapering for the last 6 months and I am now on 20 mg methotrexate and 2.5 mg of Prednisolone, and would you believe week before Christmas I started having another flare. Excessive sweating, the pain in my ear is unbearable and I have blood in mucus when blowing my nose. I have tried to contact my Rheumatologist whom is on leave for the holidays. I am taking pain relief and have increased my Prednisolone myself. I am having a lot of side effects with the drugs, weight gain, moon face, thinning hair and in terrible condition. My Rheumatologist has referred me to ENT for my ear, whom I have appointment at end of January 2016 for grommets to be inserted. Has anybody else had this operation and does it work, or will the hearing loss be permanent. Sometimes I have really good days and think I can live a normal life with the Wegener's and other days the outlook is not so good. Has anybody else had similar experiences.