Vasculitis Treatment and HIV Infection

[newinseattle2008]

I just spent the evening in the emergency room and was released with a tentative diagnosis of vasculitis. I have a follow-up appointment in two days with a rheumatoligist to verify the diagnosis.

I've been researching a bit on the web, and the prognosis doesn't look to good. Has anyone else experienced this or can anyone point me towards more informative websites so I can read up on this before my follow-up appointment?

About me: just diagnosed in January of this year. At the time of my diagnosis, my CD4 count was 625 and my viral load was 3,2000. At my six-month checkup CD4 count was 675 and viral load was 5700. I'm currently take no meds.

[BT65]

Newinseattle,

I don't have any direct experience with vasculitis (I'd never heard of it before reading your post).  I just wanted to welcome you to the forums and wish you good luck.  I wonder if John Hopkin's has a reputable website?

[newt]

Hello, welcome

Two good sources of information on vasculitis, you may have found already

Arthritis Research Campaign
http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/patpubs/6047/6047.asp

Vasculitis Foundation
https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org

Vasculitis, or vasculitis-like symptoms may be an effect of HIV itself, or HIV's effect on the immune system. Treatment of HIV or vasculitis is not usually more complex because of the other condition being present.

I personally would wait for the full workup from the rheumatologist before getting pessimistic about prognosis. ER docs are prone to drama, as are many internet health info websites.

- matt