Hello to everyone. I hope to connect with people here who can share their experiences with both the disease GPA, experiences with medications they've been given and their life stories fighting (Wegener's) this wretched illness.

My husband is 76, his symptoms started with sniffles and congestion last September and finally led to a definite diagnosis of GPA in January all based on sinus issues. I am his wife and advocate, I've had MS since my 20s along with several other diseases caused by immune system over-activity so I'm very familiar dealing with lots of specialists, medications and constant testing.


My husband was a very healthy individual with his only problem being high blood pressure until GPA came along. One thing I'm incredibly grateful for is the fact that all of our doctors and specialists have jumped right in to help my 76-year-old husband just as if he were in his 20s. There are many patients who can end up being not treated properly or at all if they have physicians who feel they're too old to bother with so I'm very glad that we have plenty of excellent specialists and research hospitals here in Little Rock.


My husband's received a 1 gram infusion of Rituxin. He's due for his second infusion at the end of the month. He's done very well with the first infusion, other than saying that he feels a bit odd there haven't been any outstanding side effects.


Since I've dealt with my own immune system diseases for almost 30 years it's natural for me to start checking which foods, vitamins, minerals and herbs should be avoided by GPA patients, especially if they are on Rituxan.


I'd like to connect with anyone who has links to pages that provide dietary and supplement lists of vitamins/herbs/foods to be avoided by anyone with GPA or you may have your own experiences to share.
I look forward to hearing from you and making some friends as I could definitely use someone to talk to as I work to provide the best support I can for my husband.

(A wee bit about me, I've been a pro singer, songwriter and guitarist since I was 14, I've still got a great sense of humor and I love to meet new people).

Sincerely,
MegD