Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Roberta

Roberta has giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of systemic vasculitis. She has been offered a biologic medication to help her come off steroids but worries about the possible side effects of medicines.

  • Background

    Roberta is a retired office and call centre worker. She has three grown-up children and lives with her husband. Ethnic background: White British

  • Age at interview 69
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Richard

    Richard has giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of systemic vasculitis. He already had a relatively common condition, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and was aware they can be linked. This meant he recognised symptoms of GCA and sought medical help quickly.

  • Background

    Richard is a retired chartered accountant. He and his wife have two grown-up children. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 64
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Pete

    Pete has granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a type of ANCA associated vasculitis which has affected his hearing and kidneys. After being well for several years, Pete relapsed in March 2020 just before the first COVID-19 lockdown.

  • Background

    Pete is a retired quantity surveyor who lives with his wife. Ethnic background: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 67
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Peter

    Peter has microscopic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (MPA), a type of ANCA associated vasculitis. It was diagnosed after Peter collapsed with a brain bleed. He feels an important part of his ongoing recovery is having support to manage his depression.

  • Background

    Peter is a retired marketing consultant. He and his wife have two grown-up children and three grandchildren. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 67
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Isabella

    Isabella has eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a type of ANCA associated vasculitis previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. Isabella would welcome the opportunity to see a vasculitis specialist as she has some unanswered questions.

  • Background

    Isabella is a retired local government administrator. She lives on a remote island and is married with two grown-up daughters. Ethnic background: White Scottish

  • Age at interview 68
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Mo

    Mo has granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). She had three years of severe symptoms, including going deaf in one ear, before she was diagnosed. Mo leads a local support group and is pleased she has encouraged clinicians to think about quality of life.

  • Background

    Mo retired a year ago from her part-time occupational health nurse post and her nursing career. She is married with two grown-up children who, at the time of interview during...

  • Age at interview 60
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Steve

    Steve has microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), an ANCA associated vasculitis. This has caused end stage kidney failure and lung scarring. Symptoms first appeared when he was 39 but were not diagnosed until his health suddenly deteriorated 18 months ago.

  • Background

    Steve retired from the advertising business at 55 and is undertaking a PhD. Having cared for his wife when she had cancer, he is widowed and lives alone. Ethnic background:...

  • Age at interview 60
  • Sex/Gender Male