A Takayasus Arteritis story

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April 1998 went to GP for pill script and happened to mention that I collapsed in squash court and legs had intense pain, GP checked for pulses and couldn't find them in my legs. I was sent straight to hospital for scans and on plane within 3 days to Brisbane for major operation to remove the inflamed part of Aorta which turned out to be TAK. Due to blood clotting disorder (undiagnosed) lost a kidney during op and they needed to put a stent into my remaining kidneys artery. Heavy meds for 2years including methotrexate, prednisone, potassium and blood pressure meds. I was told I would probably be in disability for rest of life and I was back at work 6mths after op. Was declared in remission in 2000. 2001 moved to Sydney for work, 2003 moved to China for work all while being non chalant about medications, if I took them I took them and if I didn't I didn't. Was told that my remaining kidney would last 8years before it would need to be relocated to groin area in order to continue function, 2011 I started IVF and had my first baby in 2012, a lot of monitoring and a lot of tests, baby was born 2mths early (not due to TAK). Started IVF again in 2014 and had our second baby in 2015, perfect pregnancy, full term baby. Both children perfectly healthy. Today only other symptoms I have are when it is cold the circulation in my fingers are not good, other than that I'm leading a great life!