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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen vasculitis is identified and treated early, the prognosis is usually good. One of your greatest challenges may be coping with side effects of your medication. The following suggestions may help:
- Understand your condition. Learn everything you can about vasculitis and its treatment. Know the possible side effects of any medications you take, and report any changes in your health to your doctor.
- Choose a healthy diet. Eating well can help prevent potential problems that can result from your medications, such as thinning bones, high blood pressure and diabetes. Choose a diet that emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats and fish, while limiting salt, sugar and alcohol.
- Try to exercise most days of the week. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, can help prevent bone loss, high blood pressure and diabetes. It also benefits your heart and lungs. In addition, many people find that exercise improves their mood and overall sense of well-being. If you're not used to exercising, start out slowly and build up gradually. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program that's right for you.
References
- What is vasculitis? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vas/vas_all.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2009.
- Khasnis A, et al. Update on vasculitis. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:1226.
- Stone JH. The classification and epidemiology of systemic vasculitis. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/156758625-2/0/1807/0.html. Accessed Aug. 26, 2009.
- Vasculitis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/vasculitis.asp. Accessed Aug. 26, 2009.
- Questions to ask your doctor. Vasculitis Foundation. http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/vasculitisquestionstoaskyourdoctor. Accessed Aug. 26, 2009.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Sept. 2, 2009.
- Lee RW, et al. Novel therapies for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Drugs. 2008;68:747.
- Search of mycophenolate and vasculitis. ClinicalTrials.gov. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=mycophenolate+and+vasculitis. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
