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Advice and information please

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caroline00420
caroline00420

Hi my husband aged 64 has been recently diagnosed with serious pneumonia and was hospitalised receiving large amounts of antibiotics.

Last week he developed swelling and a rash over his lower legs and has been diagnosed with vasculitis, has a follow up appointment with the consultant.

He is having painful joints but presently no other problems.

Has anyone else had this reaction following a severe infection, what happened ?

Thanks

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • harleycw
    harleycw caroline00420

    Posted

    Search this to get an idea "IgA Vasculitis (Formerly Henoch-Schönlein Purpura or HSP)"  typically it is the immune system causing these IgA deposits and it should get better if other organs aren't involved.     This is an antibody found in high concentration also in the respiratory tract  so perhaps the body is over producing to fight the pneumonia but it led to the rash and joint swelling.   I would not be too concerned because at least the body is reacting, but if it continues later then be concerned.  Also keep monitoring with doctor to ensure any internal organs are not affected as it may require other drugs to reduce immune system reponse later.

    • caroline00420
      caroline00420 harleycw

      Posted

      Thank you I am testing his urine at home and waiting to see the consultant.
    • harleycw
      harleycw caroline00420

      Posted

      Yes, it needs to run it's course but if it keeps going, yes Steroids like Prednisone may shorten the rash and swelling time.  It always worked with me really quickly as long as I had enough dosage.

    • caroline00420
      caroline00420 harleycw

      Posted

      He was given a injection of steroid long lasting and consultant ringing him tomorrow , as they had lost the referal. The pain has been horrid and he is having problems walking due to pain/ swelling in ankles and back of legs. What a nightmare this disease is .

      The good news is all organs ok

      ThNks for your reply

    • harleycw
      harleycw caroline00420

      Posted

      well the deposits in the joints may stop increasing but regardless it takes a while longer to clear out.  Walking for me was incredibly painful as even the bottoms of my feet hurt and of course adding the ankles and knees even up to my elbows was not much fun either.  Anyway, it just takes rest without being too immobile.   I starting exercising my upper body slowly first so the lower half could rest and I would not relapse.  The exercise was important as it increases blood flow to clear things out and aids in recovery but of course you need to start sloooowly.
    • caroline00420
      caroline00420 harleycw

      Posted

      Hi how did you treat your blisters on your legs?

      My husband is having problems wearing shoes and the blisters are bursting Im worried about infection.

      He is having problems wearing any shoes at the moment .

      Any suggestions/ advice would be much appreciated.

    • harleycw
      harleycw caroline00420

      Posted

      Unfortunately nothing I tried helped.   I just had to keep my shoes off and keep them up as much as possible.   Putting weight on them and using shoes just made things worse and worse.  As you know, it's incredibly difficult to do this because it's not just a day or two but weeks when it is bad.

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