Three years ago... Then & Now

On this day three years ago... I nearly died.

After only being out of the hospital for 2 weeks, having spent the previous 16 months inpatient, I contracted a rare infection and suffered a full RSD relapse. All of my symptoms returned and I was once again in agonizing pain, paralyzed, unable to move or eat.

On this day three years ago, my lungs collapsed and filled with fluid, every breath I took felt like 1,000 knives stabbing through my chest. I suffered cardio-respiratory arrest. My body temperature dropped down to only 91 degrees! I became unresponsive, and was rushed down to the ICU where my amazing doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize my life.

On this day three years ago, I was put in another ketamine coma to save my life. 

Today...three years later, I officially completed my very first semester as a college student at Hodges University, where I am now studying medicine to become a Physician's Assistant!!

 I have spent the past 12 weeks busy learning, studying, doing homework, writing research papers, giving oral presentations and taking exams.

...And I have loved every minute of it!!!! (See video below :)



 I haven't really mentioned much about my new school adventure here on the blog; however, it's no secret that it has been my dream to join the medical field, (as a professional...not as a patient!) to help others going through similar health struggles and give them hope. And now, it is actually happening!!!

I started classes in mid-May, after taking a 3 part entrance exam, taking three classes during the summer semester to 'get my feet wet'. I wanted to wait and see how my brain/body handled the adjustment before making such a big, important announcement public; however, if you have talked to me at all in the past two months, you have probably heard me go on and on about how much I love my school, teachers, classmates and yes, even my books  :)

It turns out, school and I are a good mix! I love it!!

There are really no words, except to say that I never cease to be amazed by God. Every detail, minor and major, regarding my entrance into Hodges University has had His fingerprints all over it! 

I am forever grateful for the doors that have been opened for me to accomplish this dream. Especially to my admissions counselor, Christy and Dr. Pepe, for all of the help they have given me in making this possible. Everyone at Hodges has gone above and beyond to accommodate me. My situation is not exactly normal, yet, every professor, student and administrator has gone out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and my needs are met. Everything from scheduling preferences for my classes, professors working with me online while I traveled to Mexico, and even down to moving chairs out of the way and opening doors for me, they covered all bases! It's really been incredible.

Tonight, I took my last final, which means I have a few weeks off until my fall semester begins in September, when I will be starting some of my core medical classes. I can't wait!

I always told Dr. Cantu that I was going one day work with him, helping him treat others suffering from RSD, and now, in a few years when I graduate, I plan to make that dream a reality too!

I can't believe I am typing this update. If someone would have told me 3 years ago, as I lay in a bed, on life support, that just 3 years later, I would be sitting in a classroom, instead of a hospital room... I never, ever would have believed them. Yet, here I am.

I am in school! Studying medicine! I am well!! 

I can't believe this is my new life! It feels dream-like and surreal to me. Honestly, I sometimes question whether or not I might still be asleep in the coma!

But this is real, and all I can really say, is praise be to God, who can do abundantly more than we can ever ask or imagine!!! When God promises to work all things together for good... He means it. This isn't my story, it's His story, the story He's chosen to write for my life and I am so humbled to be living it.

Thanks for checking in! Please stay tuned for another update coming soon about a very special trip I am making up to New York next month!! :)

God bless,
Jessica

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
-Psalm 30 11-12

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