Josette Glatt

Josette has been combatting health issues for quite some years. It was suspected that an autoimmune disorder was at play,  but no specific diagnosis had been given and she was mostly treated for depression.   After giving birth to Eleanor in January of 2019 and Lucy in December of 2019, her autoimmune issues escalated. She was diagnosed in the summer of 2020 with overlapping mixed connective tissue disorder which is a combination of lupus and another form of rheumatism. In May, 2021, her diagnosis of depression was in question and  her treatment changed. She was then prescribed lamictal.  About 1 ½ weeks into this medication she began to have severe body pains similar to a typical lupus flare up and her Raynauds had kicked in to full force. She was admitted to Altrue Hospital Grand Forks  on Wednesday, June 9th due to extreme fever (106), rash and severe pain especially in her extremities. Her kidneys were failing. She was prepped with a dialysis port for potential treatment for acute kidney failure. Much of her pain had been coming from the effects of Raynauds – fingers and toes are still a deep purple. The mixed connective tissue disorder has also been the cause of extreme pain. They are starting to treat the Raynauds but couldn’t do so initially as the medication affects blood pressure and is hard on kidneys. A kidney biopsy was performed and those results showed the kidney damage to have come from ibuprofen which she used to treat her continual pain.  The rash appears to have been a result of the lamictal. Her body is reacting to many stresses. A week after her admittance, her kidneys are healing themselves without dialysis, however her autoimmune disease and Raynauds are not under control. It seems that many perceived isolated conditions have come together for the most imperfect storm. Her hospitalization stay is uncertain at this point (hopeful discharge by the week’s end (June 18th)), but there will be much follow up.

*We are not seeking donations for Josette and her family  through this site. That may come later.