Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Melissa has Behçet's syndrome, a systemic vasculitis which causes oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, fatigue, and joint pain. She found an electric wheelchair liberating, but it is an ongoing challenge to control the disease and prevent infection.
Melissa is completing a master’s degree, where she is interviewing people to understand the disabling effects of mouth ulcers. During the COVID-19 pandemic she is back living with her parents....
Angharad has Takayasu arteritis, a form of systemic vasculitis which affects large blood vessels. She first had symptoms at 17 and was diagnosed at 24. She would like young women to be taken seriously when they are navigating the healthcare system.
Angharad is a full-time mental health worker. She lives with family and is single. Ethnic background: White Welsh.
After four years of a purple rash which came and went, Katy was diagnosed two years ago with urticarial vasculitis. She has been managing it with steroids but is due to start a new drug, dapsone.
Katy works full-time as a dental nurse and lives with her mum. Ethnic background: White Scottish.
Jeremy has microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), a type of AAV affecting his kidneys. The kidney problem was picked up at an annual heart condition check-up and his vasculitis remains relatively benig thanks to timely treatment to suppress his immune system.
Jeremy is a retired railway consultant who still takes on occasional projects. He lives on his own. Ethnic background: White British.
Since Holly suddenly developed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) - an AAV - aged 19, her health has deteriorated due to flares, medication side effects and additional illnesses. The struggle to access disability benefits has made it harder to cope.
Holly previously lived with friends and her ex-partner and is now back with her mother, who is also her carer. She is not well enough to work or go to...
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.
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...
Lynn has atypical Behçet's disease (a systemic vasculitis), which has damaged the small blood vessels in her heart. She also has ankylosing spondylitis. Lynn wants people to understand just how hard it is to go through a lengthy diagnostic odyssey
Lynn is medically retired from her role as an intensive care nurse and now uses her time and experience for Patient and Public Involvement in research. She is married with...
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.
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:...
Susan describes having experienced pains and swellings for about ten years. After her fibromyalgia diagnosis, she was referred to the pain clinic which she found very helpful. Her family have been a great support and her faith keeps her going.
Susan is 54, married and has three adult children. She had to give up her career as mental health therapist and support worker due to her health problems. Ethnicity: Black...
Emma started noticing symptoms when she was pregnant, and these have deteriorated over time. She is looking forward to starting a 10-week course at a pain clinic. Emma hopes the course will enable her to reduce some of the medication she's currently on.
Emma is 40 and lives with her husband and two school-aged children. Ethnicity: White English
