Help Ashley Get Surgery For A Pain Free Future

Hi Everyone,

I feel strange asking for help, as I’ve always prided myself in being independent and self sufficient, but unfortunately sometimes life has other plans and extra help is needed. My health has had other plans. I’ve been seeing different doctors and OBGYNs for 7 years now in the hopes that I could figure out why my menstrual cycle is so heavy and painful. It has taken me out of work every month. I reached a breaking point with the constant fatigue, pain, and heaviness. I also was struggling with chronic migraines, IBS, and random joint/ back pain. I saw a primary care doctor at Northwestern, and she was confused as to why I had never had an ultrasound. I told her I asked for one from my OBGYN two years ago, and she would not give one to me. The ultrasound revealed I have a septate uterus. It’s a uterine anomaly that can cause period issues, miscarriages, pre term labor, etc. I brought this information to my previous OBGYN who told me it was not the cause of my issues or pain. I did not believe her, and made an appointment with a complex gynecologist at northwestern, who is also a surgeon, for a second opinion. This doctor had already reviewed my ultrasound. She wanted to hear about my experience and what I was going through. She let me know that my pain is real and not in my head. She also let me know that a septate uterus does in fact cause pain or painful, irregular periods. Because of all of my symptoms, she also believed I have endometriosis.

Dr. Voigt ordered an MRI so she could get a better scope of things. The MRI showed I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, in addition to the septate uterus. Dr. Voigt luckily can treat these issues. I will be having surgery in May to repair my septate uterus and remove the endometriosis. The adenmyosis can be treated with a specific IUD, which they will insert when I am under anesthesia. I currently am in physical therapy for the chronic pain, and to prepare for surgery. Endometriosis is a full body disease. Because I was not believed by doctors about my pain, my nerves are inflamed throughout my body (per Dr. Voigt and my pelvic pain specialist, Dr. Hwang).

Even though I have good insurance, my spouse and I are struggling with some medical debt. My spouse and I both work full time, but due to the rising cost of living and our wages not increasing, it’s been very difficult to keep up with the medical expenses. I am asking for anything you can give at all, even if it’s just a dollar. Every cent helps and all of it will go towards my medical bills. I know that these are hard times financially for everyone, so I completely understand if you cannot give. Anyone that is able to donate, you have no idea how grateful I am.

Thank you all for your kindness, and I hope my story empowers other women and people to advocate for their health, and to never take no for an answer if they feel something isn’t right in their body. We know our bodies. We deserve to have our pain believed. I also hope our healthcare system changes because healthcare should be a right for everyone.

Thank you so much

Ashley