PERSONAL STORY

Melissa Hopes Study Will Provide Cure

At any moment and as often as once a week, Melissa Savor, 43, of Rowlett is stricken by attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE).

The rare blood disorder can lead to painful attacks of edema, or swelling, of the face, airway, abdomen, and extremities.

"Often there is no warning," Savor said. "Everyone is different in the severity of the disease. Mine seems to have manifested to a weekly spell. It is usually as I wake up and there it has started."

The challenge for those afflicted with HAE is in treatment. The Federal Drug Administration has not approved C1-INH concentrate, a treatment which is being used in Europe to treat those living with HAE.

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Document Published: 12/21/2006 3:44 PM
Last Updated: 2/23/2007 11:05 AM