Thirteen years ago today, I was diagnosed with GPA. I remember asking what the heck is that?? Bad news: Its not curable. Good news: It’s treatable.

About twelve years ago, I found this forum. I believe it helped save my life. It led me to Dr Alexandra VillaForte who has guided my treatment since 2012. She’s an excellent doctor!!

I’m now 77 years old (How did that happen??!!). I don’t feel sick. I have some issues such as peripheral neuropathy in my feet, about 20 pred pounds that I haven’t lost, and lost flexibility in my core. But, I’m able to walk about three miles most days, play bad golf in summer, and putz in the flower beds. I’m in pretty good shape.

The purpose of the above is to assure the newbies on here that if you follow your doctor’s guidance and invest in yourself through exercise (at a level that you can handle), nutrition, and effective medication, that a comfortable lifestyle is possible.