After many years of not getting answers, I decided to venture out of my medical network and seek more advanced doctors. This lead me to become a patient with Mayo. In the mist of covid, I was able to start my journey with a wonderful primary care team mid 2020.

I was sent to so many specialists and to be honest, it was definitely overwhelming. It took a lot of time and patience but finally, I was getting answers. I saw the GI department and was diagnosed with collagenous colitis and a couple years later, collagenous gastritis. Both are pretty rare stomach diseases. Collagenous colitis affects 42 in 100k people and collagenous gastritis is 13 in 100k people. It was determined, I probably never had UC or Crohn’s disease. These stomach diseases have been incredibly difficult to treat and fight. I’ve tried so many medications, all making me incredibly sick. Finally, I think we might have found success with a biologic. It’s infused one a month through an IV at the hospital.

To add insult to injury, my fibromyalgia factors into the body pain as well. It’s called central sensitization syndrome. Recently, I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disorder. They are thinking it’s EDS (Ehlers Danlos syndrome).

Proud to say that in February of 2020, I was a Le to have skin removal surgery on my lower tummy. The weight loss and the stretching of my skin had made it extremely difficult to carry around a lap full of skin. It was heavy! I recovered amazingly well and am so grateful not having to deal with that issue anymore.

In September of 2023, I had my second knee replaced. After having my first one done in 2009. I will admit I definitely waited to long. The pain was unreal and the surgery and rehabilitation was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I doubted myself, alot. I am glad I did it though. Having my quality of life back!