A hysterectomy for Helen

My name is Helen and I’m a disabled mature student living in Edinburgh. A few years ago I began to have problems with my reproductive system and my symptoms (such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and pelvic pain) have only become more severe over time, to the point where I am in severe pain and unable to leave the house for about one week in three. Despite my disability I have been able to live a relatively independent life until this year and I really want to get back to that. I have a family history of endometriosis and have been recommended a hysterectomy.

The Scottish NHS is understaffed, underfunded and overstretched and, while realising that I will be haunted by the vengeful ghost of Nye Bevan, the only way I can get a hysterectomy within a realistic timeframe is to have it done in the private sector. This is going to cost me £9000.

If you can afford it, please donate a little. Any money I don’t use for this operation will be donated to Endometriosis UK, to help people who are living with this painful, under-diagnosed condition.

NB: If you can’t afford it, please don’t feel guilty. Times are hard for all of us. Put yourself and your family first.