- Polyarteritis Nodosa
- Interviews
Blessed's interview
How did all start?
I had influenza A for a week...then my stomach started hurting. I went to the ER because it was not a normal type of pain. After a CAT scan they told me I had a splenic infarct. My Rheumatologist after seeing the CAT scan report said that I have PAN. I have since seen a hematologist, cardiologist, and a GI doctor to get their take on what this will do to me.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Not long
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Rheumatologist is the main one I see. I also see a cardiologist, and a GI doctor.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Pain. I was on 60mg of prednisone for four months, gained 25 pounds which was horrible! I did two rounds so far of Cytoxan IV which really messed up my gut along with the prednisone. After tapering off the Prednisone my pain has been almost unbearable. My feet feel like they are on fire, and my muscles hurt and ache something awful.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My husband really stepped up to help me around the house and with some daily needs like fixing me a meal. My family and friends donot want me doing the Cytoxan so I have no support there.
What things have you stopped doing?
I have stopped doing a lot of things because I am exhausted all the time.
What do you think about the future?
Not sure...Im a little scared. I have little hope right now and am afraid that I will die.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best years have been the years I've been married. My husband and I love to travel and have been many places in and outside the US.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel more, go hiking, buy some miniature donkeys and chickens to raise.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Blessed beyond measure.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Go to church, be right with God. Love other people. Even though we are dealing with a terrible disease we still have a lot to be thankful for. Be greatful.
