The situation

My dear friend Heidi is living with Stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis, conditions that are causing her extensive pain, serious complications, and debilitating chronic health challenges.

The endometriosis has spread throughout her pelvis, affecting her bowel and surrounding organs, and recently, doctors identified lesions progressing into her right lung, making her condition far more complex and urgent than originally thought.

After exhausting all other treatment options, Heidi is now preparing for major surgery, including a hysterectomy and complex excision surgery.

Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor Heidi’s private health insurance will cover these very costly procedures, as her condition has been classified as pre-existing. This is despite the fact that she has only been diagnosed recently, and that she had had no prior knowledge of the severity or extent of her illness.

Heidi’s private surgical procedure is scheduled for May. Delaying the surgery she so urgently needs could lead to irreversible harm.

The effect of endometriosis on Heidi

Heidi is doing her best to navigate a battle that is profoundly and adversely affecting her health and daily life, and she has an incredibly difficult and confronting journey ahead of her.

She lives with persistent pain, constant inflammation, exhaustion, and reduced mobility, all of which have taken a heavy toll.

Additionally, the overall physical strain on her body has contributed to the failure of her right shoulder, an area where she has previously undergone surgery, further impacting her ability to work, move without pain, and manage everyday tasks.

About Heidi

A proud part of Melbourne’s Greek diaspora community, Heidi is someone who I know always shows up for others in times of need. She exudes a generosity of spirit, creativity, and quiet strength that is rare.

Heidi enjoys creating and consuming a broad range of artistic disinclines and endeavors. Progressive minded, Heidi loves to live with independence and autonomy, and to be there for and spend time with her friends and family.

A bit of an athlete, Heidi normally lives an active and energetic life full of passion, self expression, and curiosity.

Your donation is appreciated enormously

Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a world of difference to Heidi’s outlook, and is greatly appreciated.

All donations will go entirely and directly towards the medical costs associated with Heidi’s crucial surgery and recovery, and will help ease the huge financial burden being placed on her, allowing her to focus on her health.

Thank you for reading this, sharing it, and for holding her in your thoughts during this difficult time in her life.

What is endometriosis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located (this is the case for Heidi).

More info here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

What is adenomyosis?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Adenomyosis occurs when tissue from the lining of your uterus grows into your uterine wall. It can cause your uterus to double or triple in size. Symptoms include heavy periods, cramping and painful sex. It’s typically treated with medication or surgery.

More info here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14167-adenomyosis