Help Emrys' Battle With Adenomyosis & Endometriosis
Donation protected
10/17/24 EDIT: Per my last update, we have a surgery date scheduled for February 25th! There is still a high chance of being called for an earlier date because I am waitlisted, but it is so nice to finally see the end point on the horizon! :)
10/6/24 EDIT: We have switched to a local specialist who focuses on cases like mine, and his team has already greenlit me for the hysterectomy. We have the pre-surgery consult mid October, and then we will have a definite surgery date!!
7/19/24 EDIT: The MRI on 7/17/24 led my OBGYN to diagnose me with Uterine Adenomyosis. This is a new diagnosis that is replacing the original hypothesis that my endometriosis was spreading, but we are still pursuing the same course of action.
HELLO
My name is Emrys. I am a 32-year old individual with Adenomyosis and Endometriosis (Endo). I am in increasing chronic pain almost every day, and my quality of life has been severely impacted fighting these conditions. My doctor and I are working to get me down for a hysterectomy before the end of 2024.
Definitions & Stuff
ClevelandClinic classifies Adenomyosis as a condition “when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) starts to grow into the muscle wall of your uterus (myometrium). It causes your uterus to thicken and enlarge — sometimes, up to double or triple its usual size....[Left untreated, it can lead] to chronic pelvic and abdominal pain.”
World Health Organization classifies Endometriosis as a "chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility."
Background
I had a laparoscopy in 2019 to diagnose and treat my then-Stage 2 Endo, and I had a Mirena IUD placed in 2021 for pain management. The IUD has been effective for keeping my Endo from spreading but the pain remained, and the MRI from 7/17 showed why: I have large fibroids and endometrial tissue diffuse all inside my uterine wall (Adenomyosis) which is where the pain is coming from:
The original plan was to get a total hysterectomy with an oophorectomy (uterus & ovaries) but given the new information provided by the MRI, my OBGYN and I agree that only pursuing a total hysterectomy is beneficial, and leaving my ovaries would cause fewer complications.
Something I consider a silver lining is that Adenomyosis is always isolated to the uterus, so by removing the uterus, we are essentially removing every bit that is causing me pain. Despite the little research done on Adenomyosis, this is considered its 'cure'.
FUNDRAISING BREAKDOWN
My goal in asking for financial help is that my work's Short Term Disability Leave (STDL) would not be enough to sustain me financially during recovery. While my insurance has sworn to cover the procedure (we'll see), I calculated I would need around $2000 to safely cover the gaps due to the sudden decrease in pay I would be receiving while on STDL, and assuming a minimum recovery time of 4-6 weeks (per doctor consult).
This would go to:
Groceries (protein shakes, soft foods, cat food/litter) - $350
Medication (prescribed pain management) - $150
Rent/utilities - $750
Car/renters insurance - $310
Coverage of GFM's 2.9%+$0.30 USD per donation - $58 + 0.30 cents per donation
A cushion for all other bills (student loans, medical bills, etc) - $300
Care Packages - I've gotten a few asks if providing a care package in lieu of donating was okay. It's absolutely welcome and a huge help! Some of the items I believe I'd need include, but aren't limited to:
1. Antibacterial soap (unscented)
2. Gauze pads and medical paper tape
3. Fiber powder (unflavored & sugar free)
4. Protein shakes (chocolate/vanilla/coffee OK; NO caramel due to food restriction)
I made a wishlist of these items, as well as a few others I can think of, in case this is easier: Amazon Wishlist
Final Thoughts:
I do not feel I am exaggerating when I say it feels like I'm carrying around a bag of sand in my abdomen that is being spread around with a rusty knife. Painkillers have a difficult time taking the edge off, and when I was given morphine in the ER last time I had a flare-up, it wasn't enough.
I have had too many instances where I canceled plans with loved ones because I just cannot sit up or I have been left sobbing on the floor. My depression worsens each time I can't get out of bed due to the pain, or I have to duck out of plans I've had for weeks. I am really hopeful that this procedure will, at the very least, reduce my pain and restore my energy levels, so I can spend quality time with my loved ones again on a consistent, mostly pain-free basis.
I am grateful for any and all help, even if it's just to share my link around <3
Info Links:
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Organizer
Emrys Forester
Organizer
Longmont, CO