Article | - 5:10 pm
After a Cesarean Section, Angélica Da Silva Faced Complications That Turned the Joy of Welcoming Her Daughter Into a Life-Threatening Ordeal
What was meant to be a moment of pure happiness became one of the most challenging chapters in the life of Angelica da Silva, a 34-year-old nutritionist and businesswoman.
On September 30th, 2021, Angelica gave birth to her daughter, Ana Vitoria Sousa, via cesarean section—a highly invasive surgery that carries risks for both mother and baby.
Although discharged three days after the procedure, Angelica was soon back in the hospital due to severe pain at the surgical site. “I also had a very high fever. I couldn’t even open my eyes and was experiencing extreme body pain. Then I noticed the stitches from the surgery had burst, so I immediately went to the hospital,” she recalls.
Doctors informed her that she had developed a hospital-acquired infection and necrosis, requiring another surgery. “On October 10, I underwent another operation that lasted around five hours. Unfortunately, it was performed incorrectly, and due to the negligence of the medical team, the problem persisted. The stitches opened again,” Angelica reports.
Two days later, Angélica underwent a third surgery. “This time, they informed me that suturing was no longer an option, and I would have to leave the wound open to heal from the inside out.”
Doctors explained that her condition had reached a critical stage, characterized by significant tissue destruction, which can lead to necrosis or even muscle and bone injuries. “I was hospitalized for over a month and was isolated due to the infection. The only people I could see were my newborn daughter and my mother,” Angélica shares.
During her hospital stay, she underwent numerous treatments and medications. Finally discharged 45 days after giving birth, she returned home to complete her recovery. “I left the hospital with no clear timeline for recovery and the looming possibility of my condition worsening,” she says.
Her daily life became a struggle. Angélica required the assistance of a stoma therapist and couldn’t perform basic tasks. “I depended on others for almost everything. The pain and discomfort were constant. Even simple tasks like bathing were distressing. For some days, I couldn’t bathe and had to clean myself with damp cloths,” she recalls.
During this period, Angélica and her family turned to faith. “Since I was hospitalized, my husband would bring the blessed water* to rub on my abdomen and for me to drink. Even when I was weak, the only place I continued to go was church. I participated in Chains of Prayer, practiced my faith, and believed in my healing,” she says.
Over time, Angélica began noticing signs of improvement. After six months, the wound was fully closed and healed. “Despite all the difficulties, I saw God’s care throughout. Without Him, I wouldn’t have made it. My condition could have easily worsened,” she reflects.
Today, Angélica is fully recovered and has resumed her normal life without any lasting complications. “I can perform all my activities independently. Even the doctors called my recovery a miracle,” she concludes.
*DISCLAIMER: The Universal Church advises not to dismiss medical treatment. The prayers, elements, and tools of faith are not a replacement for medical treatment but a complement/support to it. Please follow your doctor’s instructions along with using your faith in the Word of God.