Veni, Vidi, Vascie – a Column by Suzanne DePaolis

Suzanne, a columnist for ANCA Vasculitis News, speaks at vasculitis conferences and is on the board of the Vasculitis Foundation. Diagnosed at age 40 with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), she is passionate about educating and advocating for patients living with vasculitis. She lives among the redwoods in California and enjoys spending time with her horses, chickens, and other transitory wildlife. Suzanne hopes that her column, “Veni, Vidi, Vascie,” will inspire readers to realize that living with a rare illness does not end one’s dreams — rather, it makes those dreams evolve.

Why I Stay in Bed Just a Little Longer Each Day

Some days, I wake up and never want to leave the comfort of my bed. I don’t want to get up and struggle through the day. I don’t want to remember that I have eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and even simple tasks take more energy than I have.

Pharmacists Are My Unsung Heroes of the Medical Profession

I have a rare illness called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or EGPA. It causes an increased number of white blood cells known as eosinophils, which can cause significant inflammation in my organs and my small and medium blood vessels. EGPA has affected my heart, lungs, sinuses, gastrointestinal system,…