My brother's diagnosis. Not great.

mags2041 · April 2009

This morning they were thinking my brother had Valley Fever which is a common fungal infection here in AZ, but his condition worsened quite a bit today. He developed some hemmoraging in his lungs today as well as an eye infection, he also has some damage to his kidneys.

His pulmonologist thinks that he has Wegener's granulomatosis. Its very very rare and we wont' know for a few days if its really that or not. But his symptoms fit it to a tee. Its not an infection or a cancer and there is no real known cause. I'm told its literally a 1 in a million diagnosis. My stepfather (a doc) has never seen it and my mother has had 2 elderly patients with it. They both died. Its good that the docs caught this - my parents needed some objectivity. The good news is that he's young, has a good team of doctors, and smart parents, and though this will be life-changing it doesn't appear to be life-threatening.

I'll know more when I get there tomorrow. I'm planning on driving out first thing in the morning.

Thanks for all your thoughts. You guys are the best.

LeisureSuitLauren · April 2009

I'm so sorry, what a strange, sad thing. I am sure you are hopeful to hear that it is not life-threatening. Have a safe trip and I hope you are able to enjoy some of the time you spend with him.

PoundCake · April 2009

I'm sorry.

Lots of prayers to your brother and family. Have a safe drive.

katie277s · April 2009

Oh Mags...your family are getting our thoughts and prayers still.

Hooray2005 · April 2009

Prayers and good thoughts being sent your way - safe travels, too! (((hugs)))

LaurMoore · April 2009

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I haven't been on the nest at all lately b/c of the new baby. I don't even know why I just logged on or opened this post. Both my aunt and uncle (brother and sister) both have Wegeners. Please let me know if you have any questions at all about it. My aunt was dx probably 10 or so years ago. My unlce about 15. My aunt is in her 50s. My uncle is older...I think now 67. Any questions you have, I can pass them along and hopefully get a fast answer for you.

Zenya · April 2009

I am glad that his pulmonologist seems to be on the case! that's very scary though. I will keep you all in my thoughts.

JulieandBen · April 2009

You are in my thoughts.

jorie · April 2009

I'm so sorry. Your family will continue to be in my prayers. It sounds like he's in good hands and the docs seem to be on top of things.

michaeltrish · April 2009

I am so sorry, Maggie. Will definitely keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers. If you want to talk, call me while you're driving tomorrow. Love, Trish

K-I-S-S-I-N-G · April 2009

I am so sorry your family is going through this, I would be beside myself if anything every happened to one of my siblings. Stay strong, prayers and good thoughts coming his way!

belle204 · April 2009

I'm sorry, Mags. I hope everything turns out ok. Let me know if you need anything.

WifeyLindsay · April 2009

I've been thinking about and praying for your brother. Thanks for keeping us updated. Drive careful and I will be looking forward to hearing good news.

((((HUGS))))