Jones, Leticia

On December 12, 2016, I had a total hysterectomy. My decision to have this surgery was made due to a long history of endometriosis.  I also have a history of Crohn’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, & several other chronic conditions. My belief was that I would get some pain relief with the hysterectomy. In 2003, I had an appendectomy. From 2007 - 
2015, I've had several procedures related to the endometriosis. Also, in February 2017 due to Crohn's Disease complications I had a colonoscopy. During the colonscopy my colon was ruptured and I had to have an emergency sigmoidcolectomy. My overall complicated medical history was shared with all my physicians and I was reassured that all precautions would be put into place. 
While in the hospital for the hysterectomy, I required 2 pints of blood. Despite this, I was released after a few days & everyone was optimistic.  Everything seemed alright at first. But, after a few days at home, things started to take a turn. 
Then, on December 21st, my fiancé found me collapsed in the closet and unresponsive. He and brother, put me in the car and rushed me to the emergency room. Where, I was seen immediately. Upon arrival, sepsis and infection was diagnosed, and I was taken for emergency surgery around 10:20 am. After hours of waiting, my family was told, that I had a long and complicated surgery due to acquiring a rare infection, called necrotizing fascitis. Also, known as "the flesh eating bacteria." 
Due to the severity of my condition, I was transferred, by ambulance, to Grady Memorial hospital, Atlanta, GA on December 23, 2016. I remained in the critical care unit  for my entire hospital stay, with at least 12 infection debri-ments and many other complications. Such as, pulmonary embolism, bedside renal dialysis, induced and not induced coma time over the course of 4 months. Many powerful antibiotics & medications were used during my hospital stay. On March 18, 2017, I woke up from my 2nd coma and on April 23, 2017, I was discharged from Grady Memorial Hospital. 
Since that time until now, I have been told by Doctors, that I have stage 3 kidney disease, partial degenerative hearing loss, neurological cognitive & memory brain disorders. As, I continue to need aggressive treatment for Crohn’s disease, Fibromyalgia, thyroid disorder, anemia, anxiety and depression. It is a constant struggle to afford the treatments needed for this and now for physical therapy, compression garments, back support and pain issues, all attributed to the loss of my entire abdominal wall. This loss extends from the entire front and left side to the spine area. In addition, I have an extensive hernia, keeping my intestines in place, which cannot be operated on at this time. My entire abdominal wall will permanently be held by a wire mesh & the help of my skin graft. The skin used for the graft was taken from my left leg & will eventually heal, as with the graft. Due to all my complications, required additional surgeries are not foreseeable. 

As I reach this goal, I realize things  have changed. Both on the outside & the inside. I know that I will never be the same. But, everyday brings me closer to healing & I will not, cannot give up!

Thank you to everyone that prayed & continues to pray for me. Much love & blessings to you all!!