Kayla’s story is one of relentless courage, facing unimaginable physical pain and emotional isolation to emerge victorious. Her journey began with a seemingly trivial slip on the ice that changed her life forever.
Living in Western Colorado, originally from South Dakota, Kayla’s days revolve around her three beloved dogs and running—a passion she cherished until her accident. Seven and a half years ago, while working at a wastewater plant, she slipped on ice, causing what seemed like a minor injury. Little did she know, that slip was the start of an arduous battle. After a year of misdiagnoses and immense pain, Kayla finally discovered that she had been walking on a broken foot all along.
A Flicker of Resilience
The year-long delay in correct diagnosis was just the beginning. The initial surgery to fix her foot did not alleviate her pain. In fact, it set off a cascade of complications. Kayla endured a second surgery, but her pain only worsened, leading to the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare and excruciating nerve disorder.
CRPS turned Kayla’s life into a living nightmare. The simplest sensations, like the touch of a soft sock, felt like torturous, bone-crushing pressure. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, spreading from her foot upwards, making walking and daily activities unbearable. “CRPS is known as the suicide disease,” Kayla explained, her voice reflecting the heavy weight of this truth. The pain pushed her to the brink, and she considered ending her life, a common tragic outcome for many suffering from CRPS.
Despite the overwhelming pain and isolation—having lost many friends and feeling unsupported by family—Kayla refused to give up. She sought help tirelessly, bouncing from doctor to doctor, hoping for relief. Her quest finally led her to a surgeon in Denver who offered a glimmer of hope: amputation.
Laughing Through Adversity
In August 2021, Kayla’s decision to amputate her leg below the knee was driven by desperation and a faint hope for relief. It was an unimaginably difficult choice, but for Kayla, the prospect of an end to her relentless pain outweighed the fear of losing her leg. “I was on my deathbed. It was either cut my leg off or I wouldn’t make it to Christmas,” Kayla recalled with palpable emotion.
The six weeks leading to the surgery were a test of endurance. As her pain intensified, she began hallucinating from sleep deprivation and constant agony. Yet, she remained resolute, finding solace in a tiny heart-shaped rock given by her Reiki master, infused with positive energy. This rock became her talisman as she faced the daunting surgery.
On September 30, 2021, Kayla underwent the amputation. The surgery marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with challenges but also with hope. Post-surgery, Kayla had to adjust to life without a limb, but the excruciating pain that once defined her existence began to subside. “I promised myself that if I got a second chance, I would enjoy every single day,” she said, her voice now carrying a sense of triumph.
A Timeless Message: Resilience and Hope
Kayla’s recovery has been a testament to her resilience and unyielding spirit. She has found strength in helping others navigate similar journeys, offering the empathy and support she wished she had. “I get to help people through that process because there are many who lose their loved ones’ support through this journey,” she shared.
Today, Kayla’s story is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the incredible power of human resilience. She embraces life with a newfound appreciation, cherishing every moment and inspiring others to find their inner strength, no matter how dire their circumstances may seem. Through her trials, Kayla has emerged not just as a survivor, but as a warrior with a fighter’s heart, ready to face any challenge with courage and grace.