GIGI FREDY

MY STORY

Well let's see, I will try to make this short and sweet if I can. I have had an auto immune disease called Psoriatic Arthritis for about 15 years now. It has been somewhat painful but was always manageable. Several years ago I was infected with the H1N1 flu virus and ended up in the hospital to find out that I also had MRSA. From that point on it all got very blurry, well I guess crazy is more like it. Basically the two invaded my body and kind of took over which set my autoimmune disease in massive overdrive, attacking all my joints and organs. I now have very permanent damage, which includes COPD, Hypertension, heart disease, Liver Disease(will eventually require liver transplant), severe joint damage in most of my joints, Peripheral Neuropathy in both hands and feet, no cartilage in my right knee, I'm losing the other knee, and I break my ribs on a frequent basis. I also have swelling and damage from osteoarthritis in my jaw, neck, upper, and lower back. Unfortunately their is no cure for this. All that I am able to do is try to slow the progression with medication and diet. I am in severe pain most of the time making it uncomfortable to sit stand or lay down. For me, one of the hardest things is that my skin is so affected. I break out with sores that really don't go away, so I am constantly itching. Sometimes I feel so embarrassed, and I really don't want anyone to see me, so it has definitely made me a recluse. It has certainly taken it's mental toll on me. I take two injections a week and 10 other medications daily.

Despite all of this, I am so very grateful and happy to be alive and spending this precious time with family and good friends. I applied for Social Security disability in august of 2011 and am now awaiting a hearing. I would not be here today if it was not for the emotional and financial support of my family and friends, even people that I don't even know have donated. My doctors suggested that I create this website to explain the severity and prognosis of illness, and to keep in touch with you all. Also, please understand that I have a beautiful daughter that could also use lots of encouragement and hope. It has been a very difficult journey for her and her 2 year old son, Kingston. I have to make frequent trips to the hospital and the doctor's office, and I currently do not have a vehicle, so we need help with transportation and sometimes meals, and diapers. Some good