Supporting Sarah’s specialist surgery

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m asking for your help to raise funds for an operation that could change my life.

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015 following NHS laparoscopic surgery, repeated again in 2017 and 2019. Unfortunately, these surgeries do not cut away the disease and symptoms reoccur.

Endometriosis is a chronic, debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and scar tissue. Symptoms include severe pain, nausea, bloating, fatigue, depression, infertility and many more.

NHS Gynaecology waiting lists have seen the biggest percentage increase of all NHS services since the pandemic. I have currently been on a waiting list for 17 months, however the treatment offered will only provide temporary relief.

In my case, mistreatment of my endometriosis has resulted in extremely painful pelvic adhesions, sticking both ovaries to my uterus, and recto-vaginal nodules, a less common but more severe presentation of endometriosis.

As you may know, at the end of 2022 I tested positive for Covid-19 and spent Christmas week on the covid ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. As a result of the infection, I have had to adapt to life as a wheelchair user and let go of a teaching career that I really loved. Due to my complex medical history, I have been deemed by consultant anaesthetists at pre- assessment in other hospitals as an unsuitable candidate for surgery (without having HDU and ITU support), so I have had to seek highly specialised consultants willing to take on my case.

The International Centre for Endometriosis at Cromwell Hospital can perform an advanced major operation that I desperately need to reduce my pain, by cutting away both old and active disease, but this comes at a significant cost (£13,975).

Chronic illness has already taken so much from me. With your support, this surgery will offer me the best chance to fight back and start to feel better. Any contribution you are able to give will really help and be very gratefully received.

Thank you for reading this chapter of my story,

Sarah x