Molly's New Gut!

At the very beginning of my fifth grade year, I became very sick. After a week in York Hospital and no one knowing what to do, I was transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland Maine.That night we had a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. More testing showed specifically that I had Indeterminate Colitis which means the disease could be either Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis. I spent almost two years trying every medication for both issues, including cutting edge treatments, but I never went into remission.  At the age of 11,  I had my colon removed and my first ileostomy. After several emergency surgeries, my surgeon realized that I had problems healing - which has caused  chronic pain, nausea and kinking of what is left of my intestine. Subsequently I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This is a collagen disorder and it happens to be the type that affects organs among other things.  
This unusual combination of health issues has perplexed most of the medical community. Unfortunately, I have had over twenty-five surgeries that includes my stomach, eyes and ankle.  I am on intravenous nutrition and have a hard time controlling my pain and nausea. My doctors have explored and exhausted all options.  In a couple of weeks, I have the opportunity to go to The Cleveland Clinic to begin the transplant process.  This opportunity has given me and my family  hope.  I look forward to the day I may once again, eat a meal, be pain free and live a more balanced life. My family and I are very thankful for everyone's support and kindness through this life changing process!