Coping and support

One of the greatest challenges of living with Takayasu's arteritis may be coping with side effects of your medication. The following suggestions may help:

• Understand your condition. Learn everything you can about Takayasu's arteritis and its treatment. Know the possible side effects of the drugs you take, and tell your doctor about any changes in your health. Ask your doctor about the benefit of taking low-dose aspirin regularly.

• Eat a healthy diet. Eating well can help prevent potential problems that can result from your condition and medications, such as high blood pressure, thinning bones and diabetes. Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats and fish, while limiting salt, sugar and alcohol.

  If you're taking a corticosteroid drug, ask your doctor if you need to take a vitamin D or calcium supplement.

• Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, can help prevent bone loss, high blood pressure and diabetes. It also benefits your heart and lungs. In addition, many people find that exercise improves their mood and overall sense of well-being.
• Avoid all tobacco products. It's important to stop using all forms of tobacco to reduce the risk of injuring your blood vessels and tissues even more.
• Stay up-to-date on vaccines. Your medications may make it harder for your body to fight infection. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia, shingles and other diseases.