My name is Amanda and I am a single mother of 5 amazing young boys. Our journey started back in April of 2024. I experienced severe pain that eventually became so excruciating that I made my way to the emergency department. After several scans and testing I was diagnosed with a large cyst and they immediately scheduled surgery to remove it. The day before surgery the cyst ruptured and I became septic and had to stay in the hospital for several days. Once leaving the hospital I was sent to specialist after specialist from Gynecologist helping me manage recurring UTI infections and BV infections, Urologist helping me to manage the kidney infections and kidney stones, Gastroenterology for many other intestinal concerns. After several scans, blood work, colonoscopy and endoscopy work up I found out that I also had a hiatal hernia, esophagus infection, collitis and ending up having cdif infection finally ended me up at the Colorectal Institute where we found out that I had a transvaginal rectal fistula that had grown and was connected to 3 separate sections. After months of clearing out the infection we scheduled surgery to repair/remove the fistula with the hope that I would be back to work and normal life within a month after surgery. Surgery took place on the 19th of June and by the next day I was back at the ER for complications. My body rejected the surgery and I was scheduled immediately for a repeat surgery (exam to see what happened and go in to potentially fix it) surgery was scheduled the following Thursday (a week from the first surgery) they found that the a puss pocket had developed under the flap and at this point a seton was placed to help with the drainage because my body needed more time to heal. What was suppose to be an out patient surgery turned into a very long hospital stay with several procedures to follow. I am currently admitted to the hospital and have surgery scheduled Sunday to have a illoscopy bag put in place so that my body can have time to heal and allow for the infection to drain in preparation of my upcoming surgery 6-12 weeks out in Miami at the Cleveland Clinic to attempt to repair the fistula again. We are praying that the lord will watch over the Dr’s and nurses as they operate on me and that this can be repaired but it is a very strong possibility at this time that the sphincter muscle has been damaged and that the illoscopy may not be reversible. This has been an emotional, mental, and  physical rollar coaster for us as a family. Please pray for healing and support for my boys as they navigate these hard times ahead and pray that the lord watches over the Dr’s and his team as they plan for the surgery’s ahead!