My name is Shamika. I’ve been suffering from a condition called Endometriosis since the age of 19, and I am now 31. Endometriosis is when blood that sheds during a menstrual cycle sheds outside the uterus instead of inside. This causes masses, pain, and infertility. At the age of 24, I managed to finish college despite having many hospital visits, missing friends/family events, weight issues, and having to retake classes or exams and pain flare ups. There were times I could not control my bowel movements and urinations for years. The doctors found multiple masses in my colon and pelvic. I was on different medications to try and stop the growth of these masses and dull the pain.

At the age of 28, I had to visit the E.R. after not having a bowel movement for 2 weeks. On December 4, 2022 I left work early due to severe pain and went to the emergency room. It was then discovered that a very large mass had closed my colon. This mass caused me to be rushed into emergency surgery. I received a colostomy bag (a bag to collect stool from the colon rather than being passed through the rectum). My life hasn’t been the same since.

I managed to meet others with colostomy bags. I then connected with them by providing a safe space where we, talk about our issues we face while having a bag , played games, had guest speakers and learned about supplies we can use for our bags. I even had an opportunity to model and walk the run way at event for people with bags. I still manage to work my regular job, despite the complications of my bag. One complication is the pain around my stoma. A stoma is the opening in the abdomen where the stool comes out to empty into the bag. I decided to seek treatment in another city for a higher level of care.

On May 15,2025, I received surgery where the doctors planned to give me a full hysterectomy and remove the masses due to the Endometriosis as well as reverse my colostomy bag. After having a 8+ hour surgery where the colon and Endometriosis team worked together, the surgery went differently than initially planned. In result, I didn’t receive a hysterectomy. The colon doctor needed 8+ hours just to remove the large masses that sat on my colon for years. Due to the complex surgery the endo team decided to not give me the hysterectomy during this same time. I still have the colostomy bag. The doctors plan to try and reverse in another procedure in the future.

When I got released following this surgery on May 21, 2025, I felt okay some days. I had nurses to check in on me. About 2 weeks later, I went to a follow up appointment on June 2nd. It was discovered I had an infection as a complication of the surgery. The doctors inserted a drain in my belly to collect fluids from the infection. There were 3 different types of infections. I then got admitted and stayed until June 6, 2025. I was then released with antibiotics prescribed to treat the ongoing infection. For almost two weeks, I took my medications as prescribed. Then one morning, I couldn't walk as my belly and back was in severe pain. I went to the local hospital where they found another spot in my lower belly with another infection after 12 hours of test and waiting to be transported to OSU 2 hours away by ambulance. I was admitted to the hospital again June 17th and I am currently still admitted.

The doctors have put me on IV antibiotics to continue to address the infection. My blood count was below 6.3 and for the first time I needed a blood transfusion to improve my blood count. Over the course of this latest hospitalization, I also missed celebrating my 31st birthday which fell on June 21st.

I’ve created this go fund me because I need help with my bills. I didn’t know I would have all of the complications after surgery back to back. I was supposed to be able to start work the second week of June, but now I have to sit out even longer because I have not one, but two drains that will be collecting fluid. I am not able to control my pain. My every day living isn’t the same. I am seeing a social worker to help me stay sane and process all of what I am experiencing. I am emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. With the help of donations, I can my past due bills.