Help Holly Fund Endometriosis Surgery
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I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in March 2021 after 21 years of symptoms. Every time I went to the doctor I was told it was normal to have pain as a woman and to just get on with it. I was prescribed the pill, various pain killers and sent for ultrasounds over the years, which for endometriosis are useless. (Endometriosis UK)
As I approached my late 20s my symptoms started to get worse. I was in that much pain during a period that I had to schedule my pill to start my period on a weekend so I could spend the time in bed rather than take time off work. I struggled going to the toilet and would often collapse with the pain. I went back to the doctor and was again told it was normal and was prescribed more pain killers. Whilst these did provide some relief I soon developed an allergic reaction to them and had to stop taking them.
It wasn't until the summer of 2020 that my I was finally listened to. I had come off my pill in October 2019 but my periods hadn't settled into a routine. My stomach began to bloat, I could barely walk with the pain and I had a break through bleed.
I went to the doctor and had a blood test which revealed an elevated CA 125 level. I went for an ultrasound and they found a cyst measuring 6 cm on my right ovary. I was referred to a a gynecologist who suggested 'watchful waiting'. (NHS)
By that point I had had enough and put in a complaint against my local NHS trust. It was only then that I was finally listened to. I pointed out that I've been advised that the NHS guidelines state that an ovarian cyst measuring over 5 cm should be removed. After months of going back and forth with doctors and further ultrasounds I finally had an MRI and laparoscopy to confirm my diagnosis.
I have now been referred to a specialist in Stoke and am waiting for the outcome of an MDT meeting to determine the next surgery. The laparoscopy showed that my left ovary is covered in endometriosis and is fixed to my pelvis, pulling the uterus toward my bowel. Furthermore my most recent MRI showed 'tethering' on my bowel and left ovary. My right ovary has a cyst on the top and to the side but is also attached to the pelvic wall, meaning that my pelvis is frozen. I have adhesions elsewhere and the term they have used on the report is 'obliterated'.
After speaking with my specialist he has advised that should I need a bowel surgeon the waiting time on the NHS for surgery is over 12 months due to the pandemic and that the estimated cost for this surgery would be £10,000.00 should I wish to have the treatment privately.
I am 34 years old and childless, I am also in constant pain and my mental health has taken a hit. I simply do not have this time to waste.
The waiting list for private treatment is 2-3 months. Your donations through this site will help fund the treatment I need privately.
Any remaining money will go to charities to help the fight against Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a silent and debilitating disease that many, including doctors, just don't understand. We must push for change.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
As I approached my late 20s my symptoms started to get worse. I was in that much pain during a period that I had to schedule my pill to start my period on a weekend so I could spend the time in bed rather than take time off work. I struggled going to the toilet and would often collapse with the pain. I went back to the doctor and was again told it was normal and was prescribed more pain killers. Whilst these did provide some relief I soon developed an allergic reaction to them and had to stop taking them.
It wasn't until the summer of 2020 that my I was finally listened to. I had come off my pill in October 2019 but my periods hadn't settled into a routine. My stomach began to bloat, I could barely walk with the pain and I had a break through bleed.
I went to the doctor and had a blood test which revealed an elevated CA 125 level. I went for an ultrasound and they found a cyst measuring 6 cm on my right ovary. I was referred to a a gynecologist who suggested 'watchful waiting'. (NHS)
By that point I had had enough and put in a complaint against my local NHS trust. It was only then that I was finally listened to. I pointed out that I've been advised that the NHS guidelines state that an ovarian cyst measuring over 5 cm should be removed. After months of going back and forth with doctors and further ultrasounds I finally had an MRI and laparoscopy to confirm my diagnosis.
I have now been referred to a specialist in Stoke and am waiting for the outcome of an MDT meeting to determine the next surgery. The laparoscopy showed that my left ovary is covered in endometriosis and is fixed to my pelvis, pulling the uterus toward my bowel. Furthermore my most recent MRI showed 'tethering' on my bowel and left ovary. My right ovary has a cyst on the top and to the side but is also attached to the pelvic wall, meaning that my pelvis is frozen. I have adhesions elsewhere and the term they have used on the report is 'obliterated'.
After speaking with my specialist he has advised that should I need a bowel surgeon the waiting time on the NHS for surgery is over 12 months due to the pandemic and that the estimated cost for this surgery would be £10,000.00 should I wish to have the treatment privately.
I am 34 years old and childless, I am also in constant pain and my mental health has taken a hit. I simply do not have this time to waste.
The waiting list for private treatment is 2-3 months. Your donations through this site will help fund the treatment I need privately.
Any remaining money will go to charities to help the fight against Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a silent and debilitating disease that many, including doctors, just don't understand. We must push for change.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Fundraising team (2)
Holly Gibbs
Organizer
England
Luke Gibbs
Team member
