the story of Libbey Eicher as told to Sarah Rupp

(If you missed the first part of this story, you can find it here.)

Libbey saw a total of 35 doctors, many different specialists, and had three more surgeries to try to correct her spine. “Many of [the doctors] would look at me and tell me that they’ve never seen anything like my case before and didn’t know how to help me.” Libbey says. “It was frustrating.”

Libbey doubted anyone could help her, until she went to New York to meet a new doctor. He felt he might be able to correct the spinal deformity with a two part surgery, one eight hours and one four.

“The pain was so horrible and [I had] seizures,” Libbey says about the surgery. “Some nights I would pray to Jesus to take me home because I didn’t think I could take the intense pain anymore. But it must not have been my time yet because I am still here today!”

A smile on her face almost constantly, one would never know Libbey is in pain. “Normally I don’t fall asleep until 2 or 3 in the morning because of the pain, and I am unable to get comfortable,” she explains.

Despite the hard times, Libbey continues to stay positive about the situation. “There are so many people that [have it worse] than me in this world,” she says. “I really don’t know how I would have made it through… if I didn’t stay positive and see the bright side of life. Yes, I do have my days where it is difficult to be positive, but we are human, and that happens to everyone. My faith and family give me joy in life and have encouraged me all the way.”

Libbey has big plans for her future. Currently in college to become a surgical nurse, Libbey hopes to someday work on a medical mission ship called the Mercy Ship that travels up and down the coast of Africa.

Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord….to give you a future with hope.” She says it’s given her comfort knowing Jesus is beside her all the time and helping her through.

At times, we seem to go down a path in life that is full of pain and hardships. How can you stay positive when life throws you a curve?

Join Libbey as she Straightens the Path for Scoliosis at her blog: Libbey’s Scoliosis Journey.

Sarah Rupp is a freelance writer who loves God, reading, fashion, and music, as well as writing of course! You can find her over at her blog, Sarah’s Words of Witsdom, or her fashion and beauty blog, Mod Style Lounge. She enjoys connecting with readers and other writers though comments.