Hayley Bailey, a 46-year-old resident of Johannesburg, South Africa, has lived a life marked by unimaginable challenges. For 17 years, she has battled gastrointestinal issues, undergone numerous surgeries, and faced the constant fear of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and determination.
A Routine Operation Turns Nightmarish
In 2007, Hayley’s life took a drastic turn when she underwent a routine operation for endometriosis and cysts. The procedure, which was supposed to be simple, went horribly wrong. Her colon was slit during the surgery, leading to severe septicaemia and a coma. Hayley spent three months in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), fighting for her life.
A Long and Arduous Road to Recovery
The years that followed were marked by repeated hospitalizations, surgeries, and struggles with her bowel and stomach. Hayley underwent 12 operations to insert mesh, but her body rejected it each time. She developed Nutcracker Syndrome, which led to a full stomach bypass, and suffered complications with her gallbladder. The constant battle with infections and the limitations of antibiotics took a toll on her physical and mental health.
By: Masvingo Mirror