Help Jenna's Surgery Fund

Hi, my name is Jenna and I am a full time volunteer missionary here in Australia. I have struggled with my health for a while, but over the last 2 years it has gotten much worse. Sharp pains that leave me barely able to walk and in bed for days, dizziness, fatigue, constant nausea, migraines, and debilitating periods. A few months ago I was sent in to a doctor who specialises in Endometriosis and they are fairly certain I have Endo. Unfortunately with this particular disease, the only way to properly diagnose it is to have exploratory surgery and then remove the growths inside my body. There is no cure and I will need to sort out a long term treatment plan.

My insurance will not help with any of the costs, so it will all be out of pocket. My doctor wants me to get this procedure done as soon as possible.

**If I raise more than my $13,000 goal, the extra funds will be extremely helpful for followup appointments and medications.

 

A bit of a definition/explanation of what endometriosis is: a chronic inflammatory condition in which cells that are similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow outside of this layer and result in pain, inflammation, organ dysfunction and infertility. This causes thick formations, lesions, and adhesions on any organ; not just the reproductive ones.

 

To give an example of what happens: I had a flare up recently where they think my body was shutting down as some sort of “protection mode” response from intensity of pain. I fainted, lost control of my limbs, was uncontrollably shaking, and couldn’t breathe correctly. A housemate helped carry me to the car and rushed me to the hospital where all they could do was put me on pain meds and tell me I need to get the exploratory and excision surgery as soon as possible.

Most months I have to take two-three sick days because I can't move or walk from pain. With this of course comes an extreme emotional toll. This surgery will help reduce pain, help me be able to live with less anxiety each month just waiting for pain to begin, and also give definitive answers to why I've lived with so much pain for so many years.

 

Here is a bit of a breakdown of the costs for the surgery that could increase depending on what they find and how much needs to be removed:

 

Hospital Costs: $6,000

Surgeon Fees: $4,000

Anesthetist: $1,000

Surgical Assistant: $500

 

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