My name is Bryan Cennami, and I have been battling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since 2007. Over the years, lupus has severely impacted my health, and I’ve faced countless hospitalizations. Between 2007 and 2011, I endured some of the most challenging moments of my life. I was read my last rites three times and lost my ability to walk. Lupus has attacked my brain, heart, and kidneys. While there is no cure, I manage it with medication.
From 2011 to 2020, I continued to experience multiple hospitalizations for lupus-related complications, including flares, cardiovascular disease, and the placement of four stents.
The years 2020 to 2022 were the hardest. I contracted COVID-19 and, though I was fortunate enough to avoid intubation, my father also contracted the virus. Tragically, he passed away after 11 days in the hospital, despite all efforts to save him. Losing him was devastating.
In 2022, my mother, brother, and I became homeless for over a year. With the help of others, we were able to find some stability, though it has been a constant struggle. My grandparents have supported us as much as they can, but they are in their 90s and have limited ability to help.
On Jan, 2nd while driving to Walmart with my mother, I started feeling unwell. I called 911 and was rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, I coded. I was overheating and experienced left-sided weakness. I was transferred to Tufts Medical Center, where I was in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NIMC). The next night , I coded again. My lupus is active, and Once I was medically cleared I was transferred to a rehabilitation center to recover from the left-sided weakness. Once I was discharged I was temporarily placed in a nursing home The FND episodes being frequent. On Feb 17th I was rushed from the nursing home to MGH. They did an echocardiogram and a pet scan and found out my heart wasn’t pumping right. They sent me to the cath lab, they ended up finding Microangiopathy.
Last night I was admitted back to the hospital.look it’s hard for me to seek help, to me it’s a sign of weakness. But I am hoping by the Grace of god I could get some relief. My family lives in an apartment that I am unable to live to my medical limitations. I have been filling out paperwork, everyday in the hospital to up get financial relief. Luck just hasn’t been on our side