The Strength in Struggle: Three Painful Encounters Since Becoming an Amputee

Since my amputations, I’ve encountered many challenges—some physical, some emotional. But the most difficult moments have often come not from the loss itself, but from how people have treated me in its aftermath. These three experiences, although incredibly painful, have taught me resilience, reminded me of my worth, and most importantly, shown me how God can turn even the darkest moments into blessings.

1. The Doctor Who Made Me Feel Like an Addict

I had just returned home from the hospital, still reeling from the trauma of everything my body had endured. I was on heavy pain meds, struggling with sleep, constipation, and even hair loss. It felt like my body was failing in every way, and I needed support.

Pain management specialists had a long waiting list, so my rehab physician was temporarily handling my medications. To transition to proper pain management, I needed a referral from a family doctor. After reading reviews, I picked one that seemed promising.

But the visit was anything but.

When my husband and I arrived, we were taken back to a room, and eventually, the doctor walked in without a greeting. He went straight to his computer and immediately began criticizing the dosage of pain medication I was on. He spoke as though I had chosen this path—like I hadn’t just survived something unimaginable.

He talked about Narcan, insinuating that I should have overdosed by now. When I mentioned my hair loss, he dismissed it with, "Yeah, that happens after stress."

And then—just like that—he got up and left. No goodbye, no compassion, no humanity. I left that office feeling judged, broken, and ashamed. Thankfully, God led me to a different physician who took the time to understand my story, who treated me with dignity and kindness. That awful experience was what I needed to find someone who truly cared. God used that moment to move me to where I was supposed to be.

2. The Pain Management Appointment That Broke My Spirit

For two years, I had an amazing doctor in pain management. He helped me get off all medications and praised me for doing the work to become pain free. When he moved, he passed me to a colleague who was also wonderful.

Then came another doctor.

My stepmom came with me to my appointment. After a long wait, I was asked for a urine sample—strange, since I was no longer on pain meds and only using cannabis. Still, I complied. We were then left in a dark office after someone turned off the lights. They had forgotten about me. No one came until much later.

When the doctor finally arrived, she was dismissive and rude. She didn’t apologize. Instead, she said, "This is what happens when you come this late," even though my appointment time had long passed. She hadn't read my chart, and it was clear she assumed I was just another addict looking for pills.

It crushed me.

The front desk staff was just as hostile. I never went back. And again, I found somewhere new. Somewhere where I could be treated like a person, not a problem.

3. The Airport Encounter That Made Me Speak Up

My best friend and I were heading out of town with my family. At the ticket counter, the woman helping us was immediately rude and dismissive. She wouldn’t even acknowledge my husband or me.

She claimed we needed to fill out a form for my wheelchair—even though I had already entered all the information online. I tried to explain, but she brushed me off. Then Whitney stepped in and used her airline experience to push back.

Suddenly, the woman’s attitude changed.

After we got things sorted, Whitney and I let her know directly that she needed to do better when dealing with people with disabilities. I was tired of people treating me like I didn’t matter.

Turning Pain into Purpose

These moments were hard. They were humiliating and heartbreaking. But through each one, God showed me something. He reminded me of my strength, revealed the people who would support me, and used those painful experiences to guide me toward healing and growth.

To the people who mistreated me: thank you. Because of you, I know how far I’ve come. And because of God, I know where I’m going.

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
— Genesis 50:20 (NIV)