A fundraiser for Lusia who is fighting for a life without pain!

My name is Joanna, my friends call me Luśka. For many years I have been suffering from advanced, deep infiltrating endometriosis, adenomyosis and comorbid conditions...How does life with endometriosis look like?

Perhaps some people think: “Okay, it is painful but what does it mean and is it really so excruciating?”. Pain strikes me in every possible form and in any possible intensity – it can lead to fainting. In the past, the situations when my belly was enlarged to the extent that it brought to mind a belly bump in late pregnancy, were rare. Now, it happens regularly. 

Crawling to the bathroom? Standard. Recurring migraines with aura – not pleasant...Vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and intestinal problems are a part of my everyday life. Days or longer episodes dominated by, let’s call it straight, suffering cause recurrence of severe depression and sometimes I am not able to deal with on my own. That is why therapy is so important.

The disease takes more than just my body – it excluded me from professional, social and family life. I used to be independent. I was working intensively, usually more than ten hours a day, running my own business as a nail stylist (previously as an instructor). Currently, I cannot even spend an hour sitting or leaning forward. There are often days when I cannot get up from my bed, weeks turning into months when my only goal is simply to “survive”.  

I have regular appointments with a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. I am trying not to give up and I am doing everything possible to hinder the progress of this disease, however, I need support. However, there is hope for me, namely a radical laparoscopic excision of endometriosis with hysterectomy – the organ is in critical condition due to adenomyosis, endometriosis and myomas. The surgeons are going to try to save the ovaries that are covered with peritoneal adhesions – saving them gives me a chance to avoid drug-induced menopause. Additionally, all visible areas of endometrial tissue will be removed: from uterosacral ligaments, posterior cervical space and colon...

What are the benefits of this surgery? A chance at living without constant pain. Possibility to go back to work and become independent. Saving the ovaries and avoiding hormone replacement therapy that is not well tolerated by my body. Taking back control of my body and everyday life.

I do not expect a miracle. I am aware that endometriosis cannot be cured completely. But there is a real chance to improve my comfort of life – maybe for a couple of years, maybe for a little longer. Each year without pain would be a great gift. 

Unfortunately, endometriosis has devoured most of my savings and I do not have any financial stability. The cost of the surgery, hospitalisation and necessary recovery are very high... It also includes resuming urogynaecological physiotherapy and travel expenses because the surgery and further consultations will not take place in my hometown.

This surgery is urgent – the sooner, the lower the risk of further complications. 

So today I am asking, please, help me get my life back. Each donation gives me hope and each share increases the chance that it will be noticed by people who can help. Thank you from the bottom my heart for any kind of support.

Luśka