I was now a trained and qualified flight hostess, which caused great excitement for me. However, things took a big U-turn in my life. The past few years were very challenging times due to various medical health conditions.
The first I experienced was:
• Damage to the disc in my neck from a bus accident
• Broken bone in my left foot
• Benign tumour in my head
• Stage 4 endometriosis which was attached to the bowel and other organs in the pelvic area
Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus, the endometrium grows in different places. I was referred to the gynaecologist. The accumulation of this tissue was so extensive that the consultant recommended a hysterectomy seeing that it was a stage 4 endometriosis.
She also added that because the endometrial tissue was attached to my bowel, I would need combined surgery performed by a bowel and endometrial specialist. They would perform two surgeries. The bowel would be put to rest and a colostomy will be inserted instead and six months later I would require corrective surgery.
I was informed by the consultant that a hysterectomy is the only solution to cure the endometriosis. As she outlined everything this was all too much, a lot of information for me in one day, but I knew the God I served is going to see me through. Finally, she said a hysterectomy cannot be performed without my consent.
God impressed upon my heart to say to the consultant that before she removed my organs to investigate again the necessity of the procedures. As a result, I was placed on the waiting list for a diagnostic laparoscopy.
Prayer
I fell on my knees that day and called upon the God of heaven and earth; the God who created me. I began to pray the following words:-
"Lord I'm at the Red Sea, there is no way forward, no way behind, Lord, they said the endometriosis is attached to my bowel, I'm asking you my Father as you brought the children of Israel through, separate my bowel from this tissue. Do not let a doctor put a knife on my bowel, let no doctor cut my bowel, Lord, you created me and at the end you said I was wonderfully and fearfully created in your image. You did it in the past, you're the same God that is with me today, you said whatever I ask and believe by faith you will deliver. God when you bring me through, I make a promise to you that I am going to share my testimony because you are going to give me one at the end. I'm going to tell the world how good and powerful you are."
I believe that in James 5:14 "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."
My anointing service was carried out by (my cousin) Pastor Richard Jackson, NEC President, my church minister, Pastor Vili Costescu and the elders of Hampstead Adventist church.
Morning of the Surgery
During my morning devotion that day, God impressed upon my heart to write the following hymns and scripture readings:-
'There is sunshine in my soul today', 'It is well with my soul', 'Jesus keep me near the cross', 'Under His wings I'm safely abiding' and 'To God be the glory'.
Psalm 27, Psalm 91, Matthew 27, and Zephaniah Chapter 1 and 2.
I meditated on these passages and prayed over the promises of God contained in the scriptures.
The Surgery
When I awoke in the recovery room from the surgery which lasted several hours, I felt my tummy that although there were several plasters, there was no colostomy bag attached.
I found out from the consultant that the endometriosis was not attached to my bowel and all the organs in my pelvic area were normal. I did not need a second operation. They were all surprised, they thought the endometriosis would be more than what they had seen.
During the surgery however, I developed complications. I had a reduced airway entry and desaturations. A section of my right lung collapsed and I developed pneumothorax. I was in intensive care for three days; however when I came through, my lungs were back to normal.
God is truly wonderful and amazing, whatsoever you are going through rest assured God is in the midst of your situation.