When Christian Science found me, I had been a sufferer thirty-five years. I was said to have contracted hip disease when a child of five, and although my father spared no expense in seeking my restoration to health, and the best medical advice was obtained, yet day after day I grew worse. When I had reached ten years of age my sufferings grew more intense; one abscess after another formed on the limb,—one of them remaining open for a twelvemonth,— and bringing other troubles in their train. My lungs had also become affected, the cough being most distressing. In the course of time I so far improved that with the aid of crutches I was able to get about the house. After a time, however, I was able to walk without my crutches, but very soon distressing symptoms of a serious nature presented themselves, which in due time were pronounced incurable diseases. Thus I passed into womanhood, and in course of time married. About two months after my marriage I had a severe attack of illness, followed by rheumatism, then a serious throat affection and ear trouble. For months I suffered terribly? I tried all kinds of remedies, placed myself under the care of various doctors, but all to no purpose, one specialist saying that the only thing was to have an operation, but as I was not strong enough to undergo it, he would do what he could to relieve me. The treatment of the ear was accompanied by almost unbearable pain.
After a time of suffering without any improvement, it was decided that I should go into a hospital. After a very careful examination, I was informed that, as a result of the condition of the lungs and throat, nothing could be done for me, and that it would be impossible for me to regain my hearing. After confinement I had an illness so severe that my life was despaired of, the doctors having sentenced me to death. From this I rallied, but was kept in bed for three months, suffering dreadfully and not allowed to move. I was then under special medical care for about a year and a half, getting at most but temporary relief, when it was decided that another operation was necessary.
The operation was successful, according to medical opinion, but it left me utterly helpless, as I could not walk for a very long time, and for years after had to wear a surgical belt. Still more complications set in, and a serious internal condition arising, I had another operation, after which I was sent to a "Home" for cases such as mine, where I remained for eight months. After my long residence in this place, I returned to my home, and very shortly afterward fell back into my old condition of bad health. In spite of all my pain and suffering, I still clung to life, read the Bible, prayed for help, and never lost my faith in God. Blind though this confidence was, it often cheered me in my darkest hours and gave me a hope in times of dark despair.
