
Medical expenses
Donation protected
Ive been asked to start a gofundme for those who wish to donate via this app.
Anything is appreciated.
2024 Review
Hi, my name is Janeane Levasseur. To be frank, 2024 has been an incredibly tough year. I’ve spent countless days in and out of the hospital, and the challenges just seem to keep coming.
January 2024
It all began on January 15 when I was admitted to the hospital with what they initially thought could be a flesh-eating disease. Thankfully, it turned out to be only shingles. However, shingles wreaked havoc on my body, causing an infection in my heart, which resulted in pericarditis. I remained in the hospital until January 21, then went home for just four days before being readmitted. This time, the doctors suspected vasculitis. I stayed in the hospital from January 26 until February 8, when I was discharged without pain.
Unfortunately, the steroids they prescribed led to an addiction. I couldn’t just stop taking them, so I had to gradually wean off.
May 2024
From May 13 to May 15, I caught a bug, possibly COVID-19 or a severe flu, though I never tested for it. Regardless, it left me physically drained.
June 2024
On June 30, I was back in the hospital for a one-day stay when the pericarditis flared up again. The doctors increased my steroid dosage to 50 mg, which once again led to steroid dependency.
July 2024
In July, the pain in my heart became unbearable. I went to Royal Columbian Hospital, where I stayed from July 10 to July 16. They treated me with prednisone and added colchicine to reduce the inflammation around my heart. On July 23, I was readmitted to Surrey Memorial, where I stayed until July 28, receiving further treatment for pericarditis.
August 2024
On August 23, I was hospitalized again for pericarditis, but this time, I was also diagnosed with walking pneumonia. I was put on antibiotics to treat the pneumonia.
September 2024
Pericarditis flared up again in September, and I stayed at Surrey Memorial from September 10 to September 17. I was treated with 30 mg of prednisone and sent home once the flare-up subsided. During this time, I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea.
October 2024
On October 16, I experienced a severe fibromyalgia flare-up, making it nearly impossible for me to move. I was prescribed 900 mg of gabapentin four times a day, the maximum dose allowed. The next day, I went to the bathroom, and my legs buckled, causing me to break my fibula. The doctor said the break was unusual and couldn’t explain how it happened. Later that same day, I fell again and couldn’t get up, so I had to call 911.
By the time I got to the hospital, my body was shutting down. My blood pressure and blood sugar were dangerously low, and I was severely dehydrated. The following day, doctors suspected I had flesh-eating disease again, but it turned out I had an abscess in my thigh, leading to a massive cellulitis infection. I was hospitalized from October 17 to October 23 and required two transfusions—one for bilirubin and another for immunoglobulin, as my immunosuppressant medication left me vulnerable to infections.
From October 24 to November 1, I was in 3 West at Surrey Memorial. I do not recommend this unit; it was an incredibly difficult experience. On October 30, I saw an orthopedic surgeon who wanted to operate on my fibula and place a plate and staples. However, due to the severe infection, he couldn’t proceed with the surgery. Instead, I was given a walking boot and told I could only put minimal weight on my foot. I was treated for the broken fibula and received physiotherapy before being discharged on November 1.
November 2024
On November 14 and 15, my body shut down again, and I couldn’t put weight on my lower limbs. I called an ambulance and went to the hospital, where they conducted CT scans and X-rays but found no fractures or blood clots. Instead, I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I now have to do exercises every morning to be able to walk.
Since being sent home on November 1, I’ve had to visit the wound clinic every two days to have my wound dressed. The changes barely last a day, so I often have to change the bandages myself on off days.
I am currently back on 30 mg of prednisone daily and taking up to 4 mg of hydromorphone daily to manage the pain.
What I Need
I’m reaching out for help. I have two ambulance rides to pay for and the cost of a walking boot. With the new year approaching, my medical benefits will reset, meaning I will have to cover the cost of all my medications. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
I’m organizing a poker fundraiser to help with my medical expenses and daily challenges. I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring everyone together, especially after the holiday season and before the start of open trials. Your support means the world to me.
Organizer
Janeane Levasseur
Organizer
Surrey, BC