I am writing this on behalf of one of my dear friend who I have watched go through unnecessary hell for the past year.

A year ago, a doctor encouraged Michelle to undergo a day surgery to remove some cysts inside her ovaries. The day surgery was supposed to avoid the need for emergency surgery as the cysts had cut off blood flow to the ovaries. What was supposed to be an hour day surgery turned into four hours, consequently destroying the next year of Michelle’s life.

The doctor made decisions during that day surgery that other doctors have openly frowned upon.

From the first botched surgery (ovary day surgery), Michelle developed Chemical/Chronic Peritonitis. Among other painful, life altering symptoms, her abdomen was full of painful abscesses. Michelle did her best to recover, take care of her family, bring joy to children through her princess roles, run her business, homestead and more. She often would tell me she was in pain but was trying to go back to her old life, just learning to do despite the pain and exhaustion.

It turns out that throughout this past year, her intestines had wrapped around one of the abscesses causing them to seal together, which of course, cut them off so they were no longer functioning.

Michelle underwent emergency bowl surgery.

During this surgery, they removed some of the intestinal track – cleared out abscesses and scar tissue from first botched ovary/cyst surgery.

Two days later Michelle was rushed again into emergency as other complications revealed themselves – It was during this surgery her bladder was torn. They didn’t know her bladder was torn until after this surgery.

Currently, they are unable to fix the bladder due to attempting to heal from the first two emergency surgeries. They don’t even know how bad the tear is yet. Surgery is needed to determine and TRY to fix the bladder but will likely not be done for six weeks.

Her husband has missed almost a month of work to be by her side. Her care during the first surgery was horrifying and her husband learned quickly to stay with her to ensure she was getting basic, humane and timely care from hospital staff. Thus, he didn’t leave her side this time either. However, their bills have piled up.

Things as simple as getting clothing she needs to accommodate her wound vac, catheter, and two nephrostomy bags, or propane for cooking, gas for necessary transportation are just some of the things they are struggling with. She is required to be on a particular diet to recover.

I know times are hard for everyone. Michelle would never ask for this help herself. But our friend needs us. I have asked her many times to let me do this, and finally with a little encouragement from nurses she agreed this time.

If you can help Michelle and her family, we would forever be grateful.

If you can’t we understand, but please do share and send up a prayer for her.

If you would prefer Venmo or PayPal – that information is attached as well.

Thank you!