How is my disease related to a King Cobra?

Happy Year of the Snake!

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Sorry if this email image is a jump scare, Readers! But this is a really cool, “fun” fact about my disease.

When learning more about my disease, at one point my hematologist mentioned there was a distinct similarity between what happened to me and what occurs in a person’s body during a King Cobra Bite.

Inside Cobra venom is a protein called Cobra Venom Factor (CVF).

This CVF protein is a structurally and functionally similar to a complement system component. C3 to be specific for the experts reading.

If you remember the complement system (and it’s okay if you don’t, you can read more here): that’s the key system in the body my disease activates.

The activation works similarly to an auto-immune disease. The complement system, normally used in fighting bacteria, turns on the body itself causing tiny blood clots that damage the organs, particularly the kidneys, to the point of failure.

SO, on a physical, biological level - I might as well have simultaneously gone into labor, and had a giant King Cobra slither into my hospital room and strike my leg in the process.

For any aHUS thrivers out there are reading this, we are TOUGH cookies.

In this Year of the Snake, much of the symbology is about rebirth and rejuvenation. The shedding of a skin to make room for growth.

In one way, I hope this helps folks with the disease not see themselves as weak.

We are profoundly strong. Strong enough to survive a King Cobra on a cellular level.

But I would avoid becoming a snake charmer, if you’re getting any wild ideas.

COMMENT OF THE WEEK

“Dr Burwick is an incredible and fearless advocate for women with pregnancy-related aHUS. I wish there were more like him!” Nicola

If you’re new here and wondering, “what happened to this lady?” read:

I started writing this when I was on dialysis. It’s intended to be both memoir and a practical tool to help folks who might be going through something similar or those caregivers and family supporting someone with a challenging diagnosis. NOTE: This is not intended to replace actual medical guidance. Please consult your doctors on your individual challenges and situations. Please talk to your clinicians before adjusting any of your care protocols. Also names have been changed for most of my medical staff.

Thank you to CC Couchois, Roy Lenn, and Dr. Richard Burwick for your founding level donation.