My Journey

Living with chronic illness and disability is a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. It is a journey filled with so much uncertainty that, at times, there seems to be no hope. Despite all I have endured over the years, I have developed coping mechanisms that have helped me overcome so many obstacles and challenges. I have always had a strong mind, and this has been part of my survivability. It has not been easy. Nonetheless, you do your best despite the odds against you. As I reflect on how my journey began, I realize how much I have changed over the years. My priorities, wishes, and needs had to take a backseat to chronic illness and disability. I first fell unexpectedly ill in 2003 with an abdominal infection which proved extremely complicated for doctors to treat. My doctors informed me that I had an H-Pylori infection, and I spent a week in the hospital to treat the infection; consequently, the doctors also informed me that my gallbladder was inflamed, and I would require surgery to have it removed. This is when my nightmare began; what was supposed to be a routine gallbladder surgery turned out to be a life-and-death situation for me. 

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