Sabrina is getting the most metal surgery of all time - saying the ultimate satanic goodbye to her uterus! Battling with endometriosis for almost 2 decades, she’s endured more than anyone needs to; the pain, the gaslighting, the emotional toll, all of it has led to the decision Sabrina’s made to take care of her body in the best way she can by having a hysterectomy. Her surgery is scheduled for November 18! It’s no secret that women and folks with uteruses are often not believed, medically belittled, and blown off when it comes to chronic pain. Endometriosis can take hold of someone’s whole life and be misdiagnosed or ignored. Sabrina has been advocating for herself and others in this space to bring more awareness and in hopes that folks who suffer the way she is, might find answers. Please read Sabrina’s story from her own voice below. --- I spent 14 years of my life misdiagnosed & dismissed. I have seen over fifteen different doctors and specialists and was told it was just stress, just a bad period, I was going through major life changes causing my body to react, or it was possibly an early miscarriage that they could do nothing about. When I was finally diagnosed in 2019, I was told birth control or Orlissa were the only treatment options and there wasn’t a cure, unless I got pregnant (all of this is false information!). I tried various types of birth control and continued to have symptoms on top of new symptoms related to taking the medication. The only reason I have had two procedures is because I researched and advocated for myself at endless doctor's appointments. There had to be something other than medication, blaming stress, or getting pregnant - which was not an option for me as I am intentionally childfree. And let me reiterate - PREGNANCY DOES NOT CURE ENDOMETRIOSIS! Over the past five years, I have had ablation surgery & excision surgery which resulted in endometriosis being removed from my ovaries & rectum, my ovaries were fused to my pelvic sidewalls and had to be suspended, fibrosis on my bladder was removed, and my appendix was removed due to adhesions and beginning to fuse with surrounding organs. I have spent over $10k for surgeries + treatments I have needed to provide relief for an incurable disease. Insurance has not covered my past surgery costs and treatments because they were deemed unnecessary, leading me to deplete my savings account. My symptoms got better for a couple years after my excision surgery, but unfortunately my symptoms have gotten worse again. After years of being denied a hysterectomy due to being "too young" and told "I might change my mind on wanting babies", I have finally been given the green light for the procedure! Due to my symptoms, my doctors assume I have adenomyosis in addition to endometriosis, which can only be diagnosed by removing the uterus. The lack of research & accessible healthcare for a full body disease that 1 in 10 people have is infuriating. I experience chronic pain everyday and can’t afford physical therapy, treatments, and mobility aids I need to function. I don’t share this for pity, I share this to educate others and in solidarity with the endo community that makes this invisible illness a little less isolating and painful. Endometriosis has filled me with a lot of physical and emotional pain, but it has filled me with a lot of gratitude and confidence too. I have the most amazing chosen family who are all so understanding and accommodating. I’m grateful for the ways my body supports me and for the mindfulness that has come from my diagnosis. And if you have been reading this far, I’m grateful for you for holding space for me. 💕 --- If you’re able to pitch in to help with Ollie walks, meals, or funds to defray the cost of all of this, consider clicking on whatever you’re able to do and sign up. Sabrina is the friend many of us turn to when we’re at our lowest and is always there for consistent support of her loved ones. The hope is to wrap Sabrina in love, compassion, and community, as she undergoes a painful recovery and accompanying stress. It can be hard to ask for help, and this is a way to make sure she doesn’t have to.
Some specific items Sabrina is hoping to purchase + treatments you can fund that will be helpful in preparation for my surgery: + Adjustable Lap Tray (acquired!) + Walking Cane (acquired!) + Adjustable Side Table (acquired!) + Surgery Pillows (acquired!) + Shower Chair (acquired!!) + Lymphatic Drainage + Massage + Acupuncture + Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy PLEASE NOTE FOR MEALS + GROCERIES: Sabrina has celiac disease so she is gluten free. Eating has been a struggle during past surgeries, so please connect with her or consider providing a Door Dash or Visa gift card for ease!