Macrine's Endometriosis Support
Dear friends, family, loved ones, and those who answer prayers,
I’ve always been the person giving – to work, to family, to friends. From dedicating my career to working for non-profit organizations in Uganda, to supporting the grandmother who raised me, I never thought I would be in the position to need so much support from others. I am so grateful to have an extended community.
As many of you know, I have been battling Thoracic Endometriosis since 2017. The tissue which normally lines the inside of my uterus has grown in my lungs, causing internal bleeding, buildup of fluid, and indescribable pain. It is also present within my stomach and on the outsides of my reproductive organs.
When I first began this campaign, my lungs and belly were filled with fluid. Walking, sitting, and even breathing was a challenge. I was constantly choking from the fluid in my lungs, suffering from heavy chest pains, and the fluid in my belly had compressed my liver and escalated the pain.
So far I have had:
- Surgery in Uganda: Thoracotomy and Pleurodesis, but it did not work and the endometriosis escalated .
- Consultations in India: I traveled to India to meet an endometriosis specialist but unfortunately I returned without surgeries happening. A lot of tests were done and at the end of the day they concluded that I should stop all the medication I had been taking so that the endometriosis tissue in the lungs and belly - which have been suppressed by the medication - might grow back. Then, in 2-3 months I should go back for the surgeries of both the chest and belly so that the grown tissues can be cut out.
- Surgery in Germany: I did not return to India, but instead opted to have the two major surgeries with specialists in Germany, where I had a support network to help with my recovery. In October and November 2018, I underwent surgeries: first for the stomach and the second for the lungs. Both were a success! I received an official diagnosis for endometriosis, a huge relief after going so long without a diagnosis. More importantly, after a slow recovery process I was finally able to breathe without any struggle and sleep without getting scared that I would choke. I was able to be me - not a sick version of myself, but truly me.
Unfortunately endometriosis is a chronic disease and the tissues will likely grow back after sometime. I am doing my best to stay healthy and positive every day. I will use this page to provide updates on health and on my life, both of which I would not have without your support.
Please subscribe to receive updates. Thank you my heroes.
With love and appreciation,
Macrine Bakesiima
Some additional information:
This page has been set up by me, Leah Newman (and a loving group of Macrine's friends). I am American but live in Uganda. I'm not related to Macrine by blood, but instead by love and friendship. Macrine has no parents or siblings and so her friends are her family. The funds raised here will be used solely for expenses related to Macrine's medical needs, as outlined above.
As Macrine's bank account is in Uganda (a non-GoFundMe Country) and the expenses will be incurred abroad, I will be withdrawing the funds from this account and taking the responsibility of paying the airfare, hospital bill, accommodation, and all that stuff directly. The costs are already incurring and will be payed immediately as needed. Please let me know of any questions or concerns on how the funds are being handled.
