Over the course of many months the problem reoccurred numerous times. Doctors had no idea why. I was pushed from one specialist to the next even traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Each time it would mean more antibiotics. I took them to the point I had a severe allergic reaction and was rushed to the hospital. It was a long exhausting time.
Jeff was working in Greenville through all of this, but would travel to Columbia every day off he had to be with me. It was my light in a very dark time for me. We were engaged in February 2012 and we began praying God would create an opening with his company in the Columbia area. We had no idea how long it might take and we were planning to be married in November. Our prayers were quickly answered and Jeff had a job in Columbia that May!
After one extremely bad round my gastroenterologist admitted me to the hospital and recommended I be seen by a surgeon. As scary as this was I was more than ready to do anything to end the cycle of pain. The long road had taken its toll on me emotionally too. Jeff was incredibly supportive, but I knew I was losing ground. All of this and planning a wedding too!
God absolutely led me to my surgeon. He was wonderful. After every doctor attempting to come up with a different diagnosis, my surgeon was confident the initial diagnosis was correct. Finally! My surgery was in August 2012. I had a right hemicolectomy. About 20 inches of my large intestine was removed. The lab report showed I had repeated perforations in that section. Finally an answer as to why!
My surgery and recovery were uneventful up until about two weeks post operative. It was discovered I had developed a bacterial infection in my intestines. I had to be admitted to the hospital (again!) because I couldn't tolerate the antibiotics. This would be my THIRD hospital stay in three months. While there another CT scan was performed and it was discovered I had a blood clot as a result of my surgery.
Fast forward a few months. I had recovered from all of the immediate medical issues. I was still taking blood thinners to dissolve the clot. Along the whole road I had asked every single doctor if I would still be able to carry a baby. I was reassured every time that I should have no trouble. My OBGYN ultimately sent me to a high risk OBGYN for a consult when Jeff and I were ready to begin a family.
After many genetic tests Jeff and I were told I should not carry a baby. Due to my previous blood clot and some of the factors they saw in my blood work the doctor said a pregnancy would be extremely risky. It was devastating news. I was crushed. I could not believe after all I had been through my dream of babies was ripped from me too.
As hard as our road has been I would not change a single detail. The pain, the struggle, and all of the trials shaped us as a couple. It drew us closer together. Jeff never left my side. He stayed every night in the hospital and was an amazing nurse to me when I was sick. I could not have asked for a better friend every step of the way. Not only did these dark years draw the two of us together, but it allowed my relationship with God to become stronger. I drew closer to Him during this time. I know He allowed this in my life for a greater purpose. My heart would not be where it is today without this time to grow in my faith.
Adoption was our next step. It took some time to heal and grieve. In a way I think I am still healing, but we both know God allowed every detail to unfold for a purpose. We know it is in God's good and perfect will for our lives for us to adopt our children.
We are excited to see where God will take us next. We pray daily to walk in His will for our lives. In His perfect time our babies will come home to us. Oh what sweet, sweet days those will be!!!!
Thank you for reading our story. We are one blessed family!
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