pericarditis

Hi Margaret,

thank you, my gp thinks i have vasculitis, i have rashes, was recently covered from waist to toes in petechiae. I was diagnose with asthma in my 30s shortly after which (within weeks) i had pericarditis. My legs and ankles have started to swell but only when i have the rash. I have nose and eye problems. I have an appointment with dermatology in october who my gp thinks is who i need to see and am awaiting allergy/immunology appointment.

i am hypothyroid and gluten and lactose intolerant with ibs symptoms, i dont know if i have vasculitis but it does seem to fit

hi, yes it does seem to fit and there is another type of vasculitis which has late onset asthma as a symptom. But yes your rash and other general symptoms seem to fit don't they. Glad your gp is on it because often vasculitis is overlooked. It is always a difficult diagnosis because of the very varying symptoms. If you feel the need to speak to someone Vasculitis UK have a good free helpline and you could have a chat to the guys there. You could ask for a review from a specialist in vasculitis rather than waiting to see a dermatologist. Not saying they can't diagnose it because they can. But feel you would benefit from seeing an overall specialist. I had some odd skin symptoms recently and dermatology weren't able to diagnose what was going on (not to say it was definitely linked). I see the vasculitis unit at Addenbrooke's in Cambridge and they are great. They specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis. I travel from London because I get such good treatment.

Hi Margaret,

Im glad you are being well looked after. I am going to give the helpline a call, its so difficult with out a diagnosis to know who to push to see.

I am normally a very fit active person but lately my joints really ache and i am tired.

I will give the advice line a call and ask them

thank you so much

Debbie

ok good luck. Let us know how you get on. Hope you find some answers.

well after telephoning the Vasculitis Uk helpline the lovely John advised me that i had been referred to the wrong specialist. I made an appointment to see a GP today to ask for referral to the correct one. Well he listened and looked at the photos, told me he thinks it is eczema, (petechiae???) said to continue with appointment with dermatology is doing some more bloods and a urine ACR.

Then asked if I would read a book, the book he recommends is a book on the menopause The balance plan 6 steps to optimize your hormonal health!!!!!!!

I could not believe it. I asked him what we do if the bloods come back normal as before and he said well if i think the picture fits I could refer you but I would need to convince them not to reject the referral

I am that close to saying forget it stopping all the medication and just giving up on it waiting for something to happen or not now.