Hello:

We are The Wrights, Chad and Venessa.

Back in January I went to the ER with abdominal, left flank and chest pains. While there they did blood work where they discovered blood and protein in the urine and did a contrasted CT Scan of my pelvis and abdomen.

A radiologist reported that they found multiple dilated tortuous left parauterine veins measuring up to 4MM each. This is known as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

Feb- I had to quit my job due to my health. My body was becoming so unpredictable with nausea, foggy brain, and fatigue.

In April I was able to meet Dr. Nagerseth of Baltimore, one of the leading vascular surgeons in the Eastern Shore. There he did his IVUS Venogram and not only found my Pelvic Congestion Sundrome, he also found Nutcracker and May Thurner Syndrome. These syndromes have caused all sorts of symptoms such as left flank, upper back, lower back, left pelvic pain. Secondary issues such as chest pressure pains, nausea, foggy brain, GI Issues (bloating, gas) weight loss, lack of appetite, lower abdominal and neuropathy in the legs.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is a long-term condition believed to be due to enlarged veins in the lower abdomen. The condition may cause chronic pain, such as a constant dull ache, which can be worsened by standing or sex.

May Thurners Syndrome is when the right iliac artery, which sends blood to your right leg, presses on the left iliac vein, which carries blood from your left leg to your heart.

Nutcracker Syndrome- the compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery.

In May a vascular stent was placed inside of me to open up my iliac vein (May Thurners) which helped restore back some proper blood flow inside my body. It helped a lot with pelvic pains, lower back pain and some nausea. I was able to regain my appetite.

In a October follow up with Dr. Nagerseth, I was told that my pelvic congestion syndrome was gone after treating my MTS but I still have an enlarged Ovarian Vein and Nutcracker Syndrome. Which is causing my remaining pains of left flank, upper back, abdominal as well as all the other secondary issues.

In December, I'll be becoming a Living Donor to rid of my left renal vein to release the compression. The healing process for a normal living donor is 6-8 weeks. For someone donating with Nutcracker Syndrome healing isn't linear. Since the left renal vein was compressed for a long time, it will take a while for the body to get used to proper blood flow again.

This unexpected health journey has been mentally taxing for the both of us. Chad is now the sole provider of our household so he will need to continue to work after the holidays after my surgery. Any donation will go towards quick and healthy meal prep to make it a little easier for the both of us as I recover. Thank you so very much.