I wanted to share this positive update with you all!
At that time, I was 21 years old and I was near death. I had skin lesions covering my entire body, I was being fed thru a feeding tube, I could not sit up or move my legs. RSD/CRPS had invaded every part of my body and I was in horrendous burning pain, all of the time,
I had no hope, and we had been told by many doctors that there was no treatment that could save me.
Dr. Kirkpatrick restored our hope that day by telling us that he was going to send me to Monterrey Mexico to be a part of the Ketamine coma study. My very last hope for survival.
2 weeks later I went to Monterrey, where due to many twists and turns, I stayed for 2.5 years.
Needless to say, Dr. Kirkpatrick was very shocked to see me now! He didn’t even recognize me! – without any sunglasses, or headphones, sitting up, without lesions or feeding tubes… and about 30 pounds heavier! He was very happy!
Dr. K's 'ladies' (Karen, Mary & Sanela) were also very excited and happy to see me doing so well!
My mom presented Dr. K with his very own “Ketamine bear”, a tradition she began in Mexico, making them for all the other coma patients we met in the hospital!
He loved it!
It’s just a small way of showing our appreciation for the chance that he gave me by sending me to Monterrey to be treated by the incredible Dr. Cantu, whose dedication to my recovery made this a reality!
Through my illness, I have been blessed to experience so many miracles, of various types—but among them all, being led to Dr. Cantu "Dr. Green Shirt" ranks most highly on that list!
He is my hero, my angel and my ‘mexican godfather’. :)
(Be sure to see my special message to Dr. Green Shirt at the end of my 'part 2' video! :)
Dr. Kirkpatrick, thank you for your continued dedication to research for RSD/CRPS and for being a doctor who is willing to treat ‘out of the box’ patients, like myself… even if it means using ‘experimental’ treatments, outside of the country, to restore our hope and give us a future.
The treatment and care that I received with Dr. Cantu in Mexico saved my life, and I am so thankful to every doctor who cared for me and kept me alive long enough so that I could have the chance to be a part of this research study, which for me, was life-saving!
As part of the Ketamine Coma research study, Dr. Kirkpatrick puts together videos of each patient, to provide education about RSD/CRPS and to show the progression of the disease before and after the coma study.
These are my videos. Part 1 is from July 2009, before going to Mexico. Part 2 is from last week!
VIDEOS
View Jessica's Remarkable Recovery in 2-Part Video
Part 1- Pre-Coma Evaluation
http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/jessica1.htm
Part 2- Clinical Outcome
http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/jessica2.htm
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE." ~Jeremiah 29:11~
I am forever thankful to everyone who has been a part of my hope for the future!
MUCHAS GRACIAS!! Que Dios te bendiga siempre!!
In God's love,
Jessica
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Incredible! Awesome! Amazing! You look so beautiful Jessica, so happy, healthy and so full of life!! Keep going and smiling your beautiful smile! We are all behind you, always!
ReplyDeleteDear Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI know I should reserve this remark for my husband but 'you gave me goosebumps'!
It is hard to find the words to respond to such a miraculous story. How could you or your parents ever have known that the quote from ~Jeremiah 29:11~ that was posted on your blog at the very beginning of your journey would come to such fruition?
You traveled into the unknown & lingered in some dark, painful & scary places. But, with God's Grace, the support of your amazing family, Dr. Cantu & all the other doctors & nurses who loved & tended to you day and night in Monterrey, you fought your way back into the light & into the world of the living. You are finally, 'over the rainbow',
Thank you for sharing your amazing, inspiring, uplifting story with all of us & for giving HOPE to all those who are in darkness now. Thank you for letting everyone know there is HOPE for this miserable disease & there is beautiful light on the other side of the rainbow.
Loving you & praying for you to soar!
Rosemary and John
I watched the video and was so thrilled to see you so animated! What a difference in the time I have known you. Too bad we live so far apart as you have all become special to us and we would love to share your journey in person.
ReplyDeleteYour video also gave me hope. When the 2nd coma becomes available for me, maybe I will do as well as you have done!
Your family has endured, your body has healed and is healing, God has taken you and cared for you and no one can say otherwise! You are a testament to faith, perseverance and your courage, as is your family by extension. It is obvious you have a new lease on life and I cannot wait to see where it is all going to take you!
FABULOUS UPDATE!! I just watched both videos and all I can think, is how I can never complain ever again after seeing that. Wow.
ReplyDeleteYou look great kid. Keep going!
Dearest Jessica, WOW- GOD IS SO GOOD!!!! I am so happy for you!! I watched parts 1 and 2 of the video and am overjoyed and in awe of what has taken place. I remember coming to visit you in the house on Bayberry and the room being completely dark and quiet and your being in so much pain. I do remember how it was in the first video. Watching you speak to the doctor in the second video, so animated, poised and knowledgeable and with your gentle humor, I realized that you have literally come from the darkness into the light. I am humbled at witnessing your healing. Your mom left no stone unturned in finding you the right care and she did find it no doubt. She is truly your angel. Your dad, Katherine and Michelle always had your name on their lips and fervent prayers for your healing in their hearts. They are your angels too! I can't wait to tell our rosary group the great news about how you're doing and encourage everyone to watch the videos. We have prayed for you every week and will continue to do so. Although I can't make it for the fundraiser in Florida, I hope to see you one of these days. You and your special family are always in my heart. Please say hi to them all for me!! Love always, Angel xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteDear Jessica --
ReplyDeleteYou are AMAZING and look so wonderful . . . we just don't have the words. We were reading your blog and are in absolute awe of YOU! You are one courageous girl and we couldn't be happier to see where you are today. We look forward to watching your videos (Wayne is away, so we decided to watch it all together this weekend!!).
Continue to be well, dearest & keep us posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you each & every day. Love to you and your beautiful family . . . looking forward to seeing you all soon!!!! :-)
With our love,
The Klatt Gang