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The importance of celebrating small wins in life with vasculitis

What is it with us humans? It is a curious phenomenon that we generally deem situations, interactions, gifts, successes, or help from others as valuable only if they’re epic — dismissing the baby steps, small successes, and brief connections as if they’re not substantial enough to warrant celebration. Sometimes we’re…

What a difference a day makes with a rare disease

We’ve all heard the phrase “what a difference a day makes.” That couldn’t be more accurate for someone with vasculitis or any other chronic disease. Some days can feel as if they last for weeks or months, or never seem to end. Other days fly by in a minute. For…

We must avoid comparing ourselves with others with ANCA vasculitis

It’s hard not to compare ourselves with other people living with ANCA vasculitis who have benefited from medications and treatments. Comparing is human nature — and the cause of much suffering. It’s particularly hard when we’re experiencing a flare or side effects of our tough medication regimens. Seeing people…

Adjusting to a brand new terrain after my EGPA diagnosis

This February marked four years since the day my world — our world — changed forever. For the previous 11 months, my wife, Pam Squires, and I had been stuck in a relentless loop, a medical maze with no clear answers. Fifty-seven different trips to the hospital or doctor’s office.