Today is a very special day for me... It was three years ago today that my life-saving journey to Monterrey Mexico began!!!
On August 20th, 2009, hooked up to more IV medications than I could count and in pain I can't even begin to describe, I
got onto a private air ambulance to go to Mexico and become patient #23 to
undergo the ketamine coma procedure-- my very last hope for survival.
Three years ago today...
I was only 21 years old, yet I had no life, no hope and no future. I had spent the past 4 years confined to a hospital bed and fed through a feeding tube. I weighed only 81 pounds. Painful sores burned through my skin and every movement, touch, light or sound caused unbearable pain and seizures.
Unfortunately, August 20th 2010 was just as scary and uncertain as the year prior....
After spending over 1 year in the hospital and making significant advances in my recovery, I was once again in critical condition. A severe septic infection caused my condition to relapse. I went into respiratory arrest and nearly died, my lungs collapsed and filled with fluid and my temperature dropped to only 91 degrees! I was dying. I was rushed back down to the ICU where I underwent an emergent second ketamine coma.
Two years ago
today...
What seemed like an unfair, devastating turn of events at the time, however, ended up producing a major turning point in my recovery... I woke up, miraculously improved on August 23rd! We truly serve a God of miracles!!!
Thankfully, last year, August 20th 2011 was a much happier occasion!!! Although I was still in Mexico recovering, I was able to go out-- to somewhere other than the hospital-- for the first time in 5 years!!! I went out for dinner with my amazing friend Cindel! After not being able to eat for over 3 years I wanted to order every single thing on the menu! It was the first "normal" day I had ever spent as a 20-something year old girl and a memory I will cherish forever!
One year ago
today...
I guess that brings me to today, August 20th 2012.
To celebrate this special day my awesome mom surprised me by arranging a special day at the beach, and allowed me to go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time in over 6 years!!! It took a lot of coordination and help from family and friends to make sure I got in and out safely, but it was one of the most incredible moments of my new life!!
TODAY....
I always say I can never describe in words the feeling of the intense pain that I went through for the past years..... but now I am also noticing that I have an equally hard time to put into words the joy, gratitude and pure excitement that I now feel to be able to live again!!
It's amazing how my life now looks nothing like it did 3 years ago... 2 years ago... or even 1 year ago!!
I am so grateful to everyone who helped make my life possible! I want to hug, kiss and thank each and every one of you in person-- I promise I will find a way!
I am so blessed to be 24, alive well and thriving! The same touches, lights and sounds that used to cause excruciating pain, have now turned into wonderful memories at the beach with my family. The legs I was told I would not move again are kicking in the water. My body that was not able to eat, now weighs a lot more than 81 pounds :) I have a lot of hope for the bright future I know God has planned for me
....and I am already looking forward to seeing what August 20th 2013 will bring! :)
God bless!!
Love,
Jessica
PS--- I couldn't let this special day go by without wishing a very Happy 3 Year Anniversary to Dr. Cantu "Green Shirt" and Dr. Barrientos "Luigi"!! :)
I know my mom will never be able to forget the looks on both of your faces when we met on this day 3 years ago... Yet still, perhaps despite your better judgment :) you gave me a chance. You never gave up on me and when I think about the many blessings the past 3 years have brought my way-- having you two come into my life is certainly at the very top of that long list! For years so many people prayed for my healing, and no doubt, you are both God's answer to those prayers! I love and respect you both more than my words can ever say.
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more." -Psalm 71 19-22