Meet the Phenomenal Carlotta Posos

Crohn's Survivor

Miracles Hidden Behind Dark Corners

I was twenty-six years old when the pain I had learned to live with forseven years finally became a threat to my life. I remember going towork each day in northern California hoping I could tolerate the sharppains in my abdomen. Only my closest colleagues knew that I sufferedthis constant reoccurrence of pain. My hands would clench as the waveof pain would run through my body lasting only minutes, but feelinglike it would never end. I was scared that this undiagnosed conditionhad gone on for far too long and now my body was forcing me to findout the truth.

When I arrived at work at the HMO near Sacramento, California I wasunable to walk without bending slightly forward. One of the staffstopped me and asked me if I was all right. I tried not to make a big dealof it, but she didn't believe me and asked me again later that morning.By that time I could hardly move. I began to explain about this chronicpain that had never been this bad, she called our medical reviewdepartment in San Francisco and found the name of a physician whoworked as a consultant for our company. They called me and the nextthing I knew I was driving to San Francisco to try to get to a lateappointment. I tried not to panic as I drove thinking about all thedetails of my life that went unattended with my rushed departure fromhome. I was divorced with a young child and I was filled with worryabout what this would do to our lives. I had sole custody of my daughterand could not imagine someone else raising her, but fortunately Godhad given me a wonderful mother and father who were able to keep herduring this very uncertain time in our lives. Both of my parents were intheir sixties and I worried that this might be an unfair burden for themat this time. I tried to calm myself as I drove for the three hours fromChico to San Francisco. I prayed the whole way. Although I did notknow it at the time my prayers were answered by a man, quiet indemeanor, sincere in heart and brilliant in his field. "Hello, I am Dr.Bohannon, tell me what's been going on" he said. I told him that thepain was reoccurring and I had been seeing an OB/GYN doctor forsometime. He thought it might be due to my menstrual cycle or a slightinfection. I had also consulted with a Gastroenterologist who was notable to find anything either. Doctor Bohannon listened intently andtook notes on tiny white pieces of paper that he shifted around as if hewere doing a jigsaw puzzle. He asked me several questions and eachresponse was written on more paper and added to the puzzle. Finally, hesaid, "I don't know exactly what it is, but I can tell you that I doubt ithas anything to do with your female organs. Now, can you check intothe hospital next door today?" I thought I was going to faint butsomehow I responded with, "I think so." I needed to take care of a fewthings: my daughter, my car and my employer. The longer the list, themore I panicked, so I stopped. I tried to make the best of my hospitalstay. When I could, I would go to the physical therapy room to ride thebike or the treadmill to try to ease my anxiety. My parents, who arenow angels in Heaven I'm sure, were there everyday and cared for mydaughter the entire time.Like most angels, Dr. Bohannon appeared from the dark once to delivera message. He assured me that no matter what, he would not let meleave without knowing the cause of my problems. After doing somex-rays, my doctors explained that because the x-rays were notconclusive but did detect a deterioration or mass in the juncture in thesmall and large intestine close to the female organs, they would need todo an exploratory surgery to properly identify the cause. One of mydoctors said, "We think it is either cancer, tuberculosis, or Crohn's. Ofthe three we hope it isn't the latter because we don't know what causesit and we don't have a real cure."

Naturally, I was very fearful through certain parts of thehospitalization, but once I stopped working with my fear and beganworking with my faith, my world changed in a much strongerdirection. I asked all the staff if I reminded them of any female in theirlife that did not leave a positive impression. If so, then please resignfrom their post and find a substitute. I wanted no negative energyaround my exposed organs during my surgery. The nursing staff waspresent and enjoyed the levity as we all went our separate ways with asmile and returned the same way. I had made cakes and cookies to bringback to this extraordinary team of doctors and nurses. I wrote each ofthem a thank-you note letting them know how much I appreciated themcaring for me. To this day, Dr. Bohannon keeps the note I wrote in hisoffice bookcase. The next day I was ready for surgery. After the surgerymy doctors soon came to give me their diagnoses and let me know thegood news. They had removed seven inches of intestine that was badlydamaged and my appendix, which had been infected, from the disease.They reconnected the junction of my small and large intestine and feltoverall that the surgery was successful.

After my release, I felt relieved that this long unanswered question hadbeen answered. I met with Dr. Bohannon again and discussedmedications and studies for my condition. During all this time Icontinued to have friends send me anything that they could find aboutthis condition. I started researching holistic cures and theories on thiscondition also.

I am now forty-two years old and have only had minor incidents where Ifelt that it was related to that old disease. I do not consider that I havethis condition anymore. I have had no treatments for over ten years andI am one of the healthiest people on the planet. I am very happy to havesustained good health. If anyone reads this short story, I hope that theyremember that life is a gift, living in the present moment is one of themost important things you can do. Enjoy them for all they bring.

Carlotta currently is working with Goodwill industries in theirmarketing department and will help us find wonderful employmentopportunities for any of you who are currently seeking a job.

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