Since 2005, I have been dealing with an autoimmune condition called cryoglobulinemic vasculitis  (AKA cryoglobulinemia). Most people know that when you become ill, your immune system helps your body heal from that illness. My immune system, however, works in a different way and attacks the capillaries in the skin, kidneys, and intestines, causing bruising and bleeding. Many cases of this condition can be caused by some underlying condition including hepatitis or other disorders, however, my condition is "idiopathic" which is doctor speak for "we don't know what's causing it".

For the past few years, I've been doing very well and have been symptom free. However, at the end of June, I experienced what I thought was a minor upper respiratory infection. It gradually became much more serious than we expected, and I ended up being brought to the hospital for treatment. Since then, I've been in and out of several hospitals with various complications. Most recently, as I was driving to work, I had to pull off the interstate and call 911 because my lungs were filling with fluid and breathing had become nearly impossible. I was recently transferred back to the University of Chicago Hospital where my rheumatology specialist is located.

The amazing medical device in the background of my picture is a plasmapheresis machine. This machine is the "gold standard" in treating many auto immune disorders. The process involves filtering all the blood in your body through a centrifuge, which separates the red blood cells from the plasma (which contains the immune cells). It then removes the plasma and replaces it with a type of substitute fluid. Interestingly enough, this process was first described at John Hopkins Hospital in 1913, based on an 1878 dairy cream separation technology! It was first used experimentally in 1959 to save the life of an adolescent boy with a condition very similar to mine. 

Currently, I am on an unpaid administrative leave from work. We have no insight into how high the hospital bills will go, or how much will be covered by our insurance, for that matter. I just started a new job and have not been there long enough to qualify for any disability leave.

My family is extremely thankful for any support anyone can provide. We are lucky enough to have several neighbors, friends, and parish members who are kind enough to be providing help around our home. We are grateful for every member of our family who is supporting us at this time. Please continue to send your prayers, as they really do make a difference!

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Psalm 6:2
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.