My Story: Holistic Living Saved My Life
The Sudden Onset
At 32, I was living the dream. I retired early after a successful career in the construction industry, building a business that gave me the freedom to explore life on my own terms. With my children almost finished with high school, I embraced a life filled with outdoor adventures — hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking through some of the most stunning landscapes. My physical condition was at its peak, perfectly aligned with my ambitions for an adventurous life.
I felt invincible, and life was more than I could have ever imagined. But then, without warning, everything changed. In what felt like a blink of an eye, I was diagnosed with sepsis — a diagnosis that came out of nowhere and would define the next three decades of my life. What began as an unexplained illness quickly spiraled into a battle I never expected, turning my world upside down.
Living with Chronic Infection
The sepsis diagnosis was just the start of a relentless fight against chronic infections. The infection stubbornly lingered, flaring up repeatedly over the years. Each episode was more grueling than the last, as my body became a battleground. The infections were unyielding, pushing me back to the brink of sepsis more times than I can count.
As the infections continued, the toll on my body became undeniable. The first amputation was a devastating blow — losing a part of myself to halt the spread of infection felt like a cruel bargain. But it was only the beginning. Over the next 24 years, I would endure a total of 17 amputations. Each surgery marked another loss as I fought to keep the infection at bay. Ultimately, this battle culminated in a Left Below Knee Amputation (LBKA) and a Right Transmetatarsal Amputation (RTMA), leaving me with a missing leg and a foot forever changed.
Survival became my only priority. I didn’t have the luxury to dwell on fear — I was too busy fighting. The medical challenges were unyielding, but so was my resolve. Over those 22 years, I spent more than three years in inpatient care, going through surgeries, treatments, and recoveries that pushed my endurance to the limit. Each hospital stay was a battle in itself, but every time I walked out, it felt like a victory — a testament to my will to survive.
However, this time was also filled with deep personal losses and challenges that severely tested my faith. When I was 34, my younger son began to struggle with mental illness, which ultimately led to the breakdown of our relationship. The anguish of watching him suffer and feeling powerless to help was overwhelming. I experienced a profound sense of failure and isolation as if everything around me was falling apart.
Years later, at 54, I faced the unimaginable: the death of my oldest son from a heart attack. His funeral took place on my 55th birthday — a day that should have been filled with celebration turned into one of deep sorrow and loss. The trauma of these events, combined with the physical toll of my ongoing medical struggles, plunged me into a deep depression. Even with people around me, I felt utterly isolated and alone.
My faith, which had always been my anchor, began to falter. I found myself questioning why all this suffering was happening and struggled to find meaning amid such overwhelming pain. Yet, despite my doubts, I knew I had to cling to the foundation of my faith, even when it felt like it was slipping away.
The First Heart Attack
At 36, just four years into my struggle with chronic infections, life presented me with another unexpected hurdle — a heart attack. It was a shock to my system in more ways than one. I was already grappling with relentless infections that would lead to multiple amputations, and now I had to face heart disease, a condition that further complicated my already fragile health.
The first heart attack served as a stark reminder that my fight wasn’t solely against infections; it was against my entire body. The arteries that once supported my active lifestyle were now becoming clogged, adding another layer of complexity to my medical journey. Managing heart disease required a different kind of vigilance — monitoring my heart, adjusting my diet, and finding ways to keep my cardiovascular system as strong as possible despite everything else I was dealing with.
But just like with the infections, I refused to let this new challenge hold me back. It was another obstacle, but not one I couldn’t overcome. I adapted, learned to listen to my body in new ways, and continued to push forward. This was yet another battle I would confront head-on, determined to keep going no matter what.
Heart Disease Progression
As the years passed, heart disease became a more significant part of my life. My first heart attack at 36 opened my eyes to the reality of cardiovascular disease, but it was just the beginning of a long journey. Despite my efforts to manage my heart health, the disease progressed, and at 48, I faced a second heart attack. This time, the impact was more severe, presenting me with an even greater challenge to overcome.
The second heart attack served as a stark reminder that my struggle was far from over. My arteries were becoming more and more clogged, putting constant pressure on my heart. The medical team did everything possible to stabilize my condition, but it was evident that I would need more drastic interventions to survive. By this point, I had undergone nine amputations due to infections, and my overall health was deteriorating. I had been shuffled from one doctor to another, enduring the painful side effects of medications and numerous surgeries. Survival had become an instinctual drive that drained all my energy, and there seemed to be no good days ahead.
A decade later, at 58, my situation reached a critical juncture. My doctors concluded that I required bypass surgery — one that would address five different areas of my heart. This surgery was a significant undertaking, but I had no other choice. The procedure was intricate, and the recovery would be long and arduous, yet I understood it was essential for my continued existence. Facing bypass surgery while grappling with the lingering effects of chronic infections and multiple amputations was a monumental challenge. My body was already frail, and the prospect of enduring such a major operation felt overwhelming. The potential complications, including a collapsing lung, seemed insurmountable! During this period, I came to realize that I couldn’t navigate this journey alone. I needed to surrender my situation to God and lean on my Christian faith for support. While my faith had always been a part of my life, it became the bedrock I relied on during my recovery. I prayed for strength, guidance, and the determination to keep fighting.
With each passing day, I discovered the courage to persevere, knowing I was not alone in this struggle. My faith equipped me with the resilience necessary to confront the challenges ahead. The scars from surgery became integral to my story — reminders of the battles I had fought, the victories I had achieved, and the steadfast faith that had seen me through.
Living Life with Strength
Today, when people see me, they see someone who appears healthy — someone who has faced life’s challenges and emerged with strength and resilience. What they don’t see are the countless battles I’ve fought, the scars I bear, and the faith that has guided me through it all.
Living with a missing leg and a history filled with sepsis, infections, heart attacks, and major surgeries isn’t easy, but I’ve learned to adapt and keep moving forward. I’ve come to realize that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite the obstacles. It’s about finding joy in the small victories and strength in the face of adversity. My Christian faith has been my anchor throughout this journey, reminding me that I’m never alone and that there’s a purpose behind every struggle.
Maintaining my health and appearance requires constant effort, but I’m dedicated to doing whatever it takes. Regular check-ups, a careful diet, and staying as active as possible are all part of my routine. But beyond the physical, it’s the mental and spiritual strength that truly keeps me going. I’ve learned to trust in God’s plan for my life, even when the path isn’t clear.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what it means to persevere. I’ve learned the value of faith, the importance of a positive mindset, and the power of never giving up. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way forward. This lesson continues to guide me!
I’d love to say that I have fully recovered, but I still have a journey ahead of me, both physically and spiritually. This story, after all, is about resilience. I’ve been infection-free for three years. However, in my legs, I have seven spots with occluded arteries. I’ve made progress through medication and lifestyle changes, and most importantly, I’ve learned to trust in my faith that recovery is possible.
To anyone facing their own struggles, I want to say this: keep your faith, stay strong, and remember that you have the strength to overcome whatever life throws at you. Life may not always go as planned, but with resilience and faith, you can keep pushing forward.
The Journey Ahead
As I look to the future, I do so with hope and gratitude. The path I’ve traveled has been long and challenging, filled with unexpected obstacles. Yet, through it all, I’ve realized that each day is a gift, and every challenge is a chance to grow stronger in faith and character.
I know the road ahead may still present difficulties, but I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. My faith remains my guiding light, providing me with the strength to keep moving forward. I’ve learned that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose our responses. For me, that response has always been — and will continue to be — anchored in resilience, determination, and unwavering faith.
To anyone reading my story, I want to share a message of hope: no matter how tough things get, you have the strength within you to overcome. Life’s challenges may feel overwhelming at times, but with faith, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you can keep moving forward. The journey may not be easy, but it’s during those tough moments that we discover our true strength.
The future is uncertain, but I’m prepared for whatever it brings. With faith as my foundation, I’ll continue to confront life’s challenges head-on, knowing that each step forward is a victory in itself. Remember, the best day to enjoy is today! Thrive and embrace happiness and gratitude.
