I have been visiting this site as guest off and on since 2014 when I was tentatively diagnosed with possible Wegeners(GPA) or Churg-Strauss(EGPA). With pred and Methotrate the initial problems which were sinus, joint flares and large red skin patches were controlled. The joint flares were not well controlled and this past spring (April and May 2018) the joint flares reach a point of one a week. At which point, sought a second opinion. The new doctor thought it was not GPA and suggested it was a RA or similar problem and I started Humira. Follow on blood test showed great improvement and I was working on reducing the pred when something went wrong. I developed serious gum problems, and ear problems. A biopsy of the gums confirmed (finally) that it was GPA. The doctor upped the pred , dropped the humira and I am to start rituximab as soon as they can get it scheduled. I am very concerned about starting rituximab. How effective is it and how quickly does it work?