Autoimmune disease is changing my life

Hello, my name is  Micheline Monforton and I am 61 years of age.  I am in the fight for my life to achieve a better quality of life.

Unfortunately on or about January 27th, 2019, I woke up in the ICU of the Ottawa General Hospital.   I didn't understand why I was there and I was extremely anxious.  My Team of doctors provided me with small details at a time because of my fragile state.   My Thrombosis Doctor, who has treated for 30+ years,  explained that on January 4th, 2019 I was admitted because I experienced a sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain.  I was put in an induced coma because I had an acute exacerbation of my Asthma and a blood clot to the lungs.  The treatment was extensive and that I now have to be treated for a severe lung disease.  

Now I take additional injections of Xolair and numerous puffers and drugs.  My immune system is further compromised and this has exposed me to additional ailments, such as, vertigo, extreme difficulty walking, now I have a CPAP machine.  The list continues.  I have been in ICU 3 times in 18 months.

Well now I am severely frail and vulnerable. I have to make further life changes for an automatic wheelchair, programs for household assistance and I’ve reached out and got some help.

But I still need financial assistance to take care of medical needs, financial  burdens and future costs.  The process is exhausting.  Any amount would be appreciated to assisting me in my recovery and  ongoing my special needs.

Thank you for your time whether or not you donate and I look forward from hearing from you.


HISTORY

At the age of 22 I had a heart attack.  Being so young I was referred Ottawa General Hospital and  met a team of magnificent doctors.  

After a lengthy medical investigation, I was diagnosed with  a disease called antiphospholipid  antibody syndrome (APLA). 

Normally, your body's immune system protects you from disease and infection. The immune system produces antibodies against these antigens that enable it to destroy these harmful substances.  The blood cells in the body's immune systemhelp protect against harmful substances. Examples include bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, and blood and tissue from outside the body. 

When you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system does not distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens.   As a result,  your body sets off a reaction that destroys normal tissues.  The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown and there is no cure.

My team of doctors have taken me through 3 pregnancies, DVTs, TIAs, strokes, severe rheumatoid arthritis and many other events.  I have taken warfarin  for almost 40 years and I am followed by the Thrombosis team on a weekly regiment and I take a biologic infusions of Rituxan to eliminate the cells which help alleviate pain and additional events.

I have always fought through through every event with great outcomes.    Because events are unpredictable and without notice it changes my quality of life and my life expectancy.

My support systems are limited.  I pray everyday that I wake  up. 

Thank you for your consideration.