Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have Wegener’s granulomatosis. I would like to give your readers some information about support, research and awareness groups for this and other related disorders.

When I was first diagnosed in 1996, I was put in touch with a support group that was called the Wegener’s Granulomatosis Association. Since that time it has evolved into the Vasculitis Foundation.

Not only was the organization very helpful in providing information, it gave me an outlet to speak with others who were going through some of the same things I was. I recommend anyone with one of the vasculitis disorders to look them up.

There are several ways to contact the group so I will include them all.

The mailing address is Vasculitis Foundation, PO Box 28660, Kansas City, MO 64188. [Read more...]

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I need help. I have seen several doctors but none can put my symptoms together and come up with a diagnosis. I am anemic, have fluctuating high blood pressure, throat and sinus inflammation, inflammation behind my eyes, Meniere’s disease symptoms, an elevated rheumatoid factor, and elevated Ig antibodies.

I am only 47 years old and have been healthy my whole life. I need a diagnosis or at least a hint of what could be wrong with me.

DEAR READER:
I urge you make an appointment with a rheumatologist (immune system specialist).

Inflammation of the throat, sinuses, area behind the eyes, and anemia suggest to me you have an autoimmune disorder. These symptoms are common in Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a rare disorder that involves vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). Wegener’s could also explain your Meniere’s type symptoms because ear infections are common and can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, pain, and more. Blood pressure is also affected by vessel inflammation.

I suggest you mention the possibilities of Wegener’s and vasculitis to the specialist, as well as requesting an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (positive in 80-95% of sufferers). Wegener’s may be fatal if left untreated so I urge you to seek medical help.

If I am off base, I apologize. However, based on your symptoms and tests, a rheumatologist is your best bet. You should also be tested further for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar disorders to explain your abnormal rheumatoid factor and Ig antibodies.