Home   About Us    Mission & Vision    Our Values    Facts & Figures    Patient Stories    Directions & Maps    Phone Directory    Divisions & Programs    Family-Centered Care    Tour Our Hospital    Kids Connection Newsletter   Divisions   Ask a Med-U-Nurse   Health Library   Find a Doctor   For Physicians   Job Opportunities   Make a Difference   News & Events   Research   Residents & Fellows   Your Hospital Visit 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-1414 800-424-MUSC		Print Version Patient Stories Kelly Torres In September 2002, 14-year-old Kelly Torres awoke with achy joints and slightly swollen lips, hands and feet. Her physician initially diagnosed Kelly with the flu. However, her pain intensified to the point where she couldn't endure the slightest touch and entire body swelled dramatically, rendering her almost unrecognizable. Kelly's parents brought her to MUSC Children's Hospital, where she was diagnosed with lupus, an inflammatory disease that affects between 500,000 and 1.5 million Americans. Most lupus patients go on to live normal life spans and rarely require hospitalization. In Kelly's case, however, the disease triggered a multitude of life-threatening complications, including seizures, a ruptured colon, pancreatitis, a stroke, unstable blood pressure, low platelet counts, and a series of heart, lung, liver and kidney problems. Her parents estimate that she spent all but 30 days of the next year in the intensive care unit. "There were so many nights when we thought she might not make it through the night," recalled her mother, Milady. "At one point, the pastor had been called, because we were expecting the worst." Kelly underwent platelet therapy, multiple surgeries and two different kinds of chemotherapy. Finally, in May 2004, tests revealed that her lupus had been beaten into submission. Today, she remains lupus-free. Her parents call her a "miracle child." "One year ago, I thought we'd never see the light at the end of the tunnel. I never thought I would have my daughter back, healthy like this," said Milady. "This place is so special. The whole time we were here, everyone - the nurses, the doctors, the people working in the cafeteria, everyone - were praying for us. It means so much to have people supporting you like that."
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