Levi is my 19 year old grandson who resides in Grande Prairie Alberta, with his mother Stacey, step dad Jason and sister Baylee.  He is a feisty, fun loving kid, who is obsessed with diesel trucks, working hard and living life to the fullest!! 

He has recently been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease aka Renal Failure + Severe HTN

To aide in Levi's in-patient care at the Royal Alex and communication with the doctors, his mother, Stacey Gauvreau, was required to take a Leave of Absence from her job in GP. Levi has been ordered to be unemployed (he was working on/off the oil field as a rough neck) during his treatment, as to maintain his baseline function, which currently sits at 11%, and expedite the transplant process.

The cost of travelling, as well as long term stays in Edmonton will be substantial! The loss of both their incomes with be financially devastating for the family. Both Stacey and Levi will have to undergo the training for Peritoneal Dialysis before they release him to go back to GP. It is still undetermined when. The doctor has prepared them, the medications he requires will be covered as long as he is an In-patient, however the moment he is discharged the expense will be theirs to bare, neither of them have benefits.

Stacey would never admit or ask for help, but we know this is a huge financial burden for her and her family. We invite you to encourage them by easing some of the financial burden during these difficult times!!

Any and all help is so immensely appreciated. Thank you sincerely to those who have already helped out. Unfortunately, the trial has only just begun.

Doctors have installed the catheter, and Levi is preparing himself for a kidney transplant at some future time. In the meantime, his kidney operates at just over 12%. His mobility is extremely restricted.

Please find below "Leviticus's Journey" as written by Stacey through a family group chat she's using to keep the family updated.

Levi has consistently throughout the duration of his life, had numerous health issues/concerns. We have constantly chased answers, going through various tests, labs, scans, x-rays, appointments etc.   He wasn't a lot of help diet wise or lifestyle wise when it came to following through in trying to feel better. He would get discouraged with being poked and prodded, waiting in emergency rooms for hours, being  in pain and never reaching any answers as to why!

He has on/off migraines, constant headaches, muscle weakness, sleep issues, nausea (pukes while sleeping), lack of energy, weight gain issues with no appetite, brain fog, itchy irritable skin (showering constantly)!  He over the years has self medicated poorly to relieve his pain!

He had 'abnormal' labs come back 4 years ago. His family Dr. at the time told us it was nothing to worry about and she would follow up tests in a year. He since has that same abnormal result a few times and the Dr. continually told him they aren't concerned.
He began failing drug test after drug test for work with high creatinine (protein) and blood in his urine. Work would tell him he needs to go get it figured out before they can send him back out. Back to doctors, more labs.... No concern.  He would move from company to company... whoever would send him out!

The final time he went in was Sunday Feb. 12 to a walk-in where he was experiencing one of his worst "migraines yet" his blood pressure was double high level, we're talking 200+/120+, and not coming down. They gave him "a shot" and sent him home with 4 migraine prescriptions, lab work and CT.

He did his lab work and they received the results on Friday Feb 17, where they admitted him to the ICU in GP.

He was in severe kidney failure and his heart had suffered significant damage as result of out of control high blood pressure.... he was lucky to be alive!!

His High Blood Pressure had flagged his chart and the labs were alarming!! There was a significant deterioration in kidney function and heart function from the previous results.

He was stabilized in GP and diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.  Which is a predisposed disease... it was bound to flare up now, or later in life.  Just so happened to be now!!  He was transported by air on Monday Feb, 20 to The Royal Alex in Edmonton.

Doctors tell us that we should prepare for an extended stay in Edmonton while tests are ran and a course of treatment is determined.  There will also be  multiple trips back and forth throughout the duration of his treatment as GP Peritoneal clinic is currently full.

So far, what we know... the preliminary biopsy results show significant deep scarring on the kidneys, the Dr. believes that his HBP has been out of control for years!! There is no course of medication that he can provide, to reverse or repair the damage. They indicated he is currently functioning at an 11%, with his creatinine around 700. 

He will undergo surgery on Wed. March 1, at the Grey Nuns to place the peritoneal line for dialysis.  The Doctor has requested an "exposed catheter" (which indicates dialysis sooner than later). 

He will require multiple kidney, heart and blood pressure medication, healthy life style and diet,  leading into dialysis with a kidney transplant imminent.