Help Terri fight Goodpasture Syndrome

On Tuesday March 19th, Terri (22 and typically healthy) woke up with shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure, rapid weight gain and just not feeling well.  Her boyfriend Tucker took her the the Saint Cloud Hospital ER where they began to run tests.  Her initial blood test’s came back and revealed she had an elevated creatinine level of 6 (normal being 0.5-1.1 mg).  This indicates Kidney function impairment. Terri was then admitted into the hospital where they began to run an assortment of other diagnostic tests (ct scan, ultrasounds, X-ray etc) to further investigate what was causing her symptoms but most crucial, her kidney impairment.  On Wednesday afternoon Terri’s Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) ordered an kidney biopsy and a dialysis port. Terri began her first dialysis treatment that afternoon.  Now begins the wait for the kidney biopsy results...

On Friday afternoon the biopsy results came back. Terri’s Nephrologist presented her with the diagnosis of Goodpasture Syndrome.

“Goodpasture Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. People with this syndrome develop substances that attack a protein called collagen in the tiny air sacs in the lungs and the filtering units (glomeruli) of the kidneys.”

“The main goal is to remove the harmful antibodies from the blood.

Treatment may include:

*Plasmapheresis, which removes harmful antibodies to help reduce inflammation in the kidneys and lungs.

*Corticosteroid medicines (such as prednisone) and other drugs, which suppress or quiet the immune system.

*Medicines such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which help control blood pressure.

*Dialysis, which may be done if kidney failure can no longer be treated.

*A kidney transplant, which may be done when your kidneys no longer function.”

Friday evening Terri received her first IV dose of steroids, and her first Plasmapheresis treatment along with her 3rd dialysis treatment.

It is not known how Terri contracted this syndrome.  We do know that so far her lungs are healthy, and the main concern is her Kidney function.  We also know that Terri will still continue to get dialysis for atleast 45 days 3x a week, and plasmapheresis treatment for 14 consecutive days. Along with her steroid drugs (which will heavily suppress her immune system) and another drug ‘Cyclophosphamide’ which is commonly used in chemo patients.

We are optimistic that these aggressive treatments will eradicate this syndrome and bring Terri back to good health!

Terri, along with her amazing boyfriend Tucker continuously by her side will need as much help as possible in the coming months as Terri has many restrictions and will not be able to work during this battle.

 Terri has overcome many struggles that life has thrown at her and has grown into an BEAUTIFUL, LOVING,INCREDIBLE, STRONG ‘crazy cat lady’ young woman.

-Judy Moudry

Many Thanks from Terri’s entire family!!!!