Support Sophia's Fight Against APS & Recovery After Stroke

Hello, my name is Sophia. I'm 32, and my life changed drastically. I wanted to share what's been going on with my health over the past couple of months. On June 7th, I was hospitalized after having a stroke while in the shower. During my stay, the doctors also discovered I had staghorn kidney stones. They were shocked to see. I was also told I had anemia and my heart rate keeps dropping. The kidney stones required multiple surgeries and placement of nephrostomy tubes & including putting kidney stents in both kidneys. Somehow, they saw my blood count was dropping indicating I was bleeding internally, so I had to get 2 blood transfusions. Blood work also revealed signs of a possible autoimmune disease, so I was told I'll need to follow up with a rheumatologist.

While still in the hospital, I suffered another stroke and was moved to the ICU, where I went into symptomatic shock. After a long stay, I was discharged from the hospital on June 27th and then spent time in rehab to regain my strength. I was released from rehab on July 4th, but just a few days later, on July 7th, I had a TIA (mini-stroke) and had to return to the hospital by ambulance. I since followed up with a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with the autoimmune disease called Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), which the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies (called antiphospholipid antibodies) that attack normal proteins in the blood, causing blood clots in my veins and arteries along with organs such as my lungs and kidneys. Other complications it can cause are miscarriage, stillbirth, stroke, or heart attack.

All of which I experienced except for the heart attack and stillbirth. I hope I don't ever experience that. They say there isn't a cure like most autoimmune diseases, but it can be managed. I continue to have signs of more possible TIAs & I am on blood thinners to help with the blood clotting to help avoid another full on stroke. The stroke effected the left side of my brain leaving me with brain fog and cognitive issues, my short term memory and memory overall has been affected not to mention my hand writing and strength in my right hand/arm.

It has been a very difficult journey, especially since I have had to go on leave from my job and still have not returned. I told them on July 14th I would be able to return to work on July 21st, but for some reason, the process has taken longer than expected. I please ask for your support, anything will help, and I would appreciate and value your help in this difficult time. I know a lot of people are struggling in today's world, so again, thank you for reading my story.