My Chance At Beating Endometriosis
Donation protected
My story:
My name is Jenna and Endometriosis is a disease that I have battled with for over 10 years. A little information about this disease: endo is when abnormal endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus causing unmanageable pain often times leaving the individual utterly useless to handle everyday tasks. It forms similarly to a spider web that has the ability to stretch and cause malfunction to major organs such as the ovaries, bowel, and bladder. Sometimes the condition can spread up even through the lungs or even the brain. The only way to diagnose this disease is through laparoscopic surgery.
I was diagnosed 8 years ago, via my first laparoscopy. I have had two surgeries thus far to "control" my endo. After both procedures, I had a break for a few months from the pain; however, both times the chronic pain and awful side effects returned. I have been prescribed many different medications to try and control this disease and each time it keeps coming back. This invisible illness has taken control of my life. I can’t work; day to day tasks are nearly impossible; often times I can’t even fall asleep comfortably. I am horrified at the fact that my disease may destroy my ability to have children. My quality of life is very poor right now, as most of my time I spend resting and listening to what my body needs to make it through the day. My entire world has been put on hold.
There is hope!
I was lucky enough to find out recently that there is a surgery (excision) that completely cuts out ALL the endometriosis tissue, and only has a 10% chance of reoccurring. I spoke with Dr. Fox for an hour this afternoon discussing the procedure, and the benefits it yields. I am extremely impressed with his 90% dramatic success rate with the other 9% of patients only showing a slight improvement. There was only 1% of patients that did not see any results, and compared to what I have already been through, I feel those are good odds! Asking for help is completely out of my comfort zone; however, my insurance will not cover this surgery and it is very expensive! Every bit of support will be much appreciated and help no matter how small! Thoughts and prayers mean more than you know!
What You Will Be Supporting:
I have a complex condition that affects some of my organs and has spread to my sciatic nerve and my right ovary; therefore, a specialist must perform this surgery. There are no doctors within my network that have the ability to perform this surgery, and as I said before my insurance will not cover it. I will be flying to Jacksonville, Florida. The money I raise will be used for the cost of the excision surgery as well as travel.
What Will Happen After Surgery:
After surgery I will need a week or so to recover, and I will return home. I will regain the ability to live (as close as one can get) a normal life. It will be one that is pain free and I will have energy again. I will have a fighting chance to conceive in the next few years.
The Dr. I have chosen has seen 90% pain relief in his endometriosis patients who he has performed this surgery on.
Pay It Forward:
Time post-surgery will be spent helping to raise awareness and paying it forward. The average amount of time it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis is 7 years! These fellow “endo sisters” need to know that what they are dealing with is real and that they are not alone. I will be reaching out to spread awareness of this disease because no woman should have to fight a battle no one else can see.
My name is Jenna and Endometriosis is a disease that I have battled with for over 10 years. A little information about this disease: endo is when abnormal endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus causing unmanageable pain often times leaving the individual utterly useless to handle everyday tasks. It forms similarly to a spider web that has the ability to stretch and cause malfunction to major organs such as the ovaries, bowel, and bladder. Sometimes the condition can spread up even through the lungs or even the brain. The only way to diagnose this disease is through laparoscopic surgery.
I was diagnosed 8 years ago, via my first laparoscopy. I have had two surgeries thus far to "control" my endo. After both procedures, I had a break for a few months from the pain; however, both times the chronic pain and awful side effects returned. I have been prescribed many different medications to try and control this disease and each time it keeps coming back. This invisible illness has taken control of my life. I can’t work; day to day tasks are nearly impossible; often times I can’t even fall asleep comfortably. I am horrified at the fact that my disease may destroy my ability to have children. My quality of life is very poor right now, as most of my time I spend resting and listening to what my body needs to make it through the day. My entire world has been put on hold.
There is hope!
I was lucky enough to find out recently that there is a surgery (excision) that completely cuts out ALL the endometriosis tissue, and only has a 10% chance of reoccurring. I spoke with Dr. Fox for an hour this afternoon discussing the procedure, and the benefits it yields. I am extremely impressed with his 90% dramatic success rate with the other 9% of patients only showing a slight improvement. There was only 1% of patients that did not see any results, and compared to what I have already been through, I feel those are good odds! Asking for help is completely out of my comfort zone; however, my insurance will not cover this surgery and it is very expensive! Every bit of support will be much appreciated and help no matter how small! Thoughts and prayers mean more than you know!
What You Will Be Supporting:
I have a complex condition that affects some of my organs and has spread to my sciatic nerve and my right ovary; therefore, a specialist must perform this surgery. There are no doctors within my network that have the ability to perform this surgery, and as I said before my insurance will not cover it. I will be flying to Jacksonville, Florida. The money I raise will be used for the cost of the excision surgery as well as travel.
What Will Happen After Surgery:
After surgery I will need a week or so to recover, and I will return home. I will regain the ability to live (as close as one can get) a normal life. It will be one that is pain free and I will have energy again. I will have a fighting chance to conceive in the next few years.
The Dr. I have chosen has seen 90% pain relief in his endometriosis patients who he has performed this surgery on.
Pay It Forward:
Time post-surgery will be spent helping to raise awareness and paying it forward. The average amount of time it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis is 7 years! These fellow “endo sisters” need to know that what they are dealing with is real and that they are not alone. I will be reaching out to spread awareness of this disease because no woman should have to fight a battle no one else can see.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jenna Starr
Organizer
Virginia Beach, VA
Jenna Thompson
Beneficiary