Sarah Westfall's Journey

In late August 2018, Sarah underwent a Nissen Fundoplication surgery to help with her terrible acid reflux. Unfortunately, shortly after her surgery, she started to suffer from many complications post operatively. This included poor motility of her stomach, which essentially meant that everything she ate was not moving along as it should into her intestines. It is important to note that prior to the surgery, she was told that she would not be able to vomit again, due to the new anatomy of her esophagus. She was also told that anytime she had sickness with her gut, it would come out in the form of diarrhea now instead of vomiting. After surgery, she was not able to vomit or have diarrhea, so the dry heaves came. She knew going into the surgery that risks were involved; however, this was not something she saw coming or expected. As a consequence, she started to suffer from severe malnutrition and inability to eat. Her surgeon was not being very helpful and had constantly ignored her symptoms despite multiple readmissions into the hospital. 

After a significant amount of workup, her primary provider, Amber Pitts, NP referred her to the Mayo Clinic. She traveled to Rochester, MN and within just a few days a gastroenterologist (Dr. Arora) discovered she had a severed vagus nerve that occurred during her surgery. The vagus nerve arises from our brainstem and is responsible for many functions in the body, including immunity, heart rate and mood control. It also innervates the stomach and is responsible for its motility and digestion. Basically, the vagus nerve allows the brain to monitor and receive information about several of the body's different functions. Once this is severed, it cannot be repaired.

Since her surgery in August 2018, Sarah has had at least 13 hospitalizations; all of which usually involve a stay of at least 5 days. On average that is about one week a month for the past year. She also had to undergo surgery once again at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Wigle to redo the Nissen fundoplication that had come undone. Sarah has either been on a feeding tube or receives parenteral nutrition through an IV. She also receives IV fluid frequently for dehydration. She is only allowed to drink fluids. She was recently hospitalized in late July and released 12 days later, because her chest port became infected, and her body went into sepsis. She will continue IV antibiotics through her picc line at home to fight sepsis, all while dealing with her other severe health problems.

Sarah is currently not working and is on medical leave. She has good days and bad days. On a good day, she can usually take care of day to day tasks, however needs to be careful she does not wear her body down. On a bad day, she needs to worry only about caring for her own body. Her family is consumed with medical bills and this family of 4 are down to Nick’s single income.

Sarah needs help. She needs uplifted in prayer daily, encouragement personally given to her, and as much financial support as others are able to give. My big sister has always been my hero, has a huge heart for others, and is the strongest person I’ve ever known. Please consider donating to my sister and her family.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story.