One Step Closer

Hi, my name is Gabriella, although most people call me Gabi.

Not what I want to do but I feel out of options and need to ask for help.

I am a 27-year-old British-South African living and working in Colchester in Essex. I have the privilege of working as a nurse at my local hospital. Nursing gives me the opportunity to make a difference in my patients lives. It brings me great joy and fulfillment.

I have been diagnosed and living with a chronic condition called endometriosis since 2021. Endometriosis is a condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. It is known to be a systemic inflammatory disease that can impact any part of the body. A disease which still has no cure. Treatment to alleviate symptoms are hormonal injections, surgery, and some contraceptives.

Endometriosis is a dynamic disability; this means that it is a condition that varies in severity and impact over time. It has periods of temporary recovery and periods of exacerbation.

Learning to live with this disease has been and still is pure horrendous torture. I often ask myself why do I get out of bed each morning. Recently, I realized it’s because I only have one life and I dearly want to try and make the most of it.

I am rather stubborn and have tried to keep being myself. Recently, the disease has won and broken me down. I have always been an active person, badminton, netball, tennis, gardening, and nature walking. My joy in life comes from being outdoors, enjoying what nature has to offer. My father raised me to be a fiercely independent lady. To now have lost all that and to be wholly reliant on others is hard to swallow. I am taking more than 15 tablets a day and now have the horrid task of having to use a stick to walk. How? A 27-year-old, previously independent and thriving in life, now reduced to this. Not to mention having my work taken away from me by the symptoms of this condition. The thing that brings me most satisfaction and pride ripped away from me. The guilt I feel at letting me team down by not being at work is suffocating.

A turning point for David (my fiancé) and I was my recent hospital admission where I spent a full week in constant pain as the medications administered were not working. My consultant specialist has put me on a waiting list for surgery but has said he requires an MRI scan to plan the surgery with other specialties. I have the unfortunate coincidence of suffering from claustrophobia. I have tried to have MRI’s previously with detrimental effects on my mental health. Stress and anxiety are known triggers of making endometriosis swelling worse.

My fiancé David has found out that there are open MRI machines available in London. What a relief! A way to get the scan done without causing myself harm. Naturally, being private companies and clinics we must pay for the scan.

Out of sheer desperation we would like to ask for financial donation to help us pay for the Open MRI machine scan. Being able to have this scan means I am one step closer to getting the treatment I need.

I am down now but once I regain my strength and energy I will be back up and fighting the fight.

From the bottom of our hearts, we humbly ask that you share this link with friends and family and if possible, in giving some financial donation.

We thank you for your support and God bless each and every one of you!!

Gabriella and David x