Hi Everyone! First, I want to thank the Lord for blessing and sustaining us throughout my medical journey. I also appreciate everyone who has supported us through prayer or financial means.
In December 2023, I thought I was reacting to gluten because of my celiac disease, but I was then diagnosed with an incurable condition called Ulcerative Colitis. I spent 7 months repeatedly in the hospital due to the disease, medication side effects, or medical neglect.
By July 2024, my symptoms worsened, and I decided to try a new medication that was promised to be pregnancy-safe. Having lost three babies into the arms of Jesus, I couldn’t bear another loss. Sadly, that child was taken, and I refused any medication. Their medication caused the loss, leaving me heartbroken. In September, we found out we were expecting again, and this time, the Lord allowed us to hold our baby alive and healthy!
During this pregnancy, I was symptom-free and felt full of life and energy. However, nearly six months postpartum, my symptoms returned worse than ever. I found myself back in the doctor’s care. In early February, I agreed to start a new biologic, despite the previous one having caused the death of one of my children, which made the decision very difficult. It took much prayer and trusting God to proceed.
While waiting for insurance approval, I ended up hospitalized again. We tried oxygen chamber therapy to reduce inflammation and avoid surgery. But by February 19th, my doctors and family decided I was not stable enough to go home and needed colon removal surgery—my only option. I felt silenced and backed into a corner.
I was told I would improve in 3-5 days, and that I wouldn’t need biologics anymore, with reversal surgery possible in 4-6 months. But none of this turned out to be true. My husband took four months off work, three unpaid, marking the start of the longest journey of my life.
After spending more time in hospitals than at home this year, I was finally well enough to seek reversal surgery, only to be turned down by five surgeons, including my original one. It’s a vicious cycle. I can’t cope with having an ileostomy; I know others do, but it’s not for me. I’ve struggled for months, pleading with doctors, dealing with peristomal pyoderma, and being told I need biologics and to wait six months for surgery. The GI doctor wants me to maintain my weight for proper nutrition, but the surgeons require me to lose 40-70 pounds—something that was never discussed until now. I keep getting passed around without resolution.
This Monday, August 3rd, we will travel to Cleveland Clinic. I finally found a surgeon willing to see me for a consultation. Once surgery is scheduled, it will be a two-step process: 1. create the pouch and 2. remove the stoma.
Not only will this take time in the hospital, but it will also cost money—for gas, food, parking, lodging, and lost wages. I’ve been praying and fasting, trusting that God will guide us and provide according to His plan. If this is His will, I believe He will sustain us.
Thank you all for your prayers and support!
