Max Ellem, Born 9 th July 1938
In September 1994, my doctor discovered I had a blocked ureter which prevented my kidney draining the bladder. The Urologist predicted (incorrectly) the blockage was due to cancer and I would lose my left kidney, ureter and part of my bladder. He then booked me for a systoscope biopsy in October'94 to confirm his prediction. To this time I had no symptoms of WG.

In the three weeks waiting for the biopsy, I was diagnosed with Laryngitis, Tonsillitis and Sinusitis. My ears were blocked and my eyes bloodshot, sore and very sensitive to sunlight. I had massive cold sores covering both lips, I was anorexic and I had general aches and pains. No one knew this was the start of my time with WG.

The cystoscopy did not provide conclusive data and I was booked for surgery for 20th Oct'94. Meantime, the problems that had developed in my head were being treated individually, mainly with antibiotics, and my eyes were treated with cortisone drops.

The operation was exploratory and the plan was, once the cancer was confirmed, the removal of my left kidney and ureter and part of my bladder would follow while I was 'on the table'. However the blockage was caused by scar tissue only and there was no sign of cancer.

Following the operation I was on top of the world. I did not have cancer - all I had to do was recover and get back to normal - not so unfortunately I!

The throat, ears and mouth problems were no longer evident, but I was still being treated for infected eyes. In January '95 I developed double vision and this caused the Ophthalmic Surgeon to advise my doctor that my eye problem could be a symptom of another medical problem. In January'95 I had so many tests - I know they did Abdominal/pelvic Cat scans, brain scans, full bone scans, intravenous pyelograms and numerous blood tests. I was under the x-ray so often I would glow in the dark. The results indicated a rheumatic problem but the Rheumotologist did not agree and he referred me to a Renal Physician.

I was admitted to the Renal ward on 24th Jan'95. At this stage I was tiring rapidly after exertion. On 25th Jan I has a kidney biopsy and then was diagnosed WG with my kidneys as the point of attack. Our medication followed with a king hit of prednisone and cyclophosphamide.

The renal biopsy indicated that about one third of the glomeruli (kidney filters) were destroyed. This still gives me adequate function and no need for dialysis.

The effects of the medication seem to be consistent with other WGs. I have put on a lot of weight, over 20kgs in the first few months. The moon face to those in the know is like carrying a sign saying 'I am on steroids". I have cramps and high blood pressure but medication has these under control.

I returned to work about April, had trouble coping, worked reduced hours but finally in Oct '95 the energy gave out and
retirement was the happy conclusion.

A trip through South Aussie, the NT and theWest - 17,000kms in all - was possible through the kind concerns of Dr Brian Hurley of Canberra Renal, who monitored my progress by the fortnightly blood tests sent to him from various centres on route - an amazing sequence of coordination and management of my well being.