Hi everyone, my name is Rachel Warren, and I am a 25-year-old dog mom, baker, teacher, girlfriend, daughter, granddaughter, aunt, sister, and many other things. Ever since I was 12, I knew something was wrong with me. I was never completely sure what it was, but I was always more tired, in pain, and struggling with weird symptoms. I struggle to this day with a range of symptoms from absolutely miserable menstrual cycles to crippling exhaustion and debilitating joint pain. This disease has taken away my ability to work full time, due to having to go to the bathroom constantly, dealing with bone deep excessive exhaustion, severe bloating to the point that I have bigger clothes to wear at these times, UTI symptoms (without it being a UTI), migraines, severe back pain, hot flashes, constipation and diarrhea, dizziness, and so much more. Endometriosis is a horrible, debilitating disease that has completely changed my quality of life and decreased it severely. Not only does this disease impact my ability to work, but it takes away from my ability to spend time with my loved ones, play with my nieces and nephews, and go on hikes with my dogs.. Those are just a few things I often can’t do. 

Despite many doctor visits, every doctor I saw insisted nothing was wrong with me. I recall one time when I went to the ER because the pain in my abdomen was so bad that I couldn’t function. I was bleeding incredibly heavily, in intense lower abdomen pain, and having UTI symptoms. Instead of compassion or help, I had an extremely painful transvaginal ultrasound, and then the doctor told me that I was fine, and I simply had a low pain tolerance. I was sent home with a pamphlet on period cramps, with nothing for the pain. 

In 2022, I finally found a doctor who was willing to listen to me and thought that something might actually be wrong. In 2023, I had a laparoscopic surgery where they found endometriosis on my right ovary and on my bladder, as well as a fibroid. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which cells similar to the endometrium grow outside the uterus and still respond to hormonal changes. They performed an ablation, which is actually an outdated surgery method that can cause more damage than relief. I had a few months of relief from some symptoms after surgery, but then my symptoms worsened. I deal with uncontrollable weight gain and loss, migraines, joint pain, excessive urination, bladder pain, abdominal pain, hip pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, severe bloating, severe exhaustion, and more. I have found some relief through diet change as I went dairy-free and grain-free, as well as several different therapy methods. However, I ultimately need another surgery, using the gold standard of care for endometriosis, which is excision surgery. In September, I was able to find an excision specialist in Washington state, who is qualified to perform the surgery I need. When I visited this doctor, she also diagnosed me with adenomyosis of the right ovary and suspected interstitial cystitis. Adenomyosis is when the endometrium tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, and interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bladder. 

This surgeon determined that I do need excision surgery to remove the endometriosis that was burned during the ablation,, as well as any new growths they may fin.. Unfortunately, it would be completely out of pocket, as well as any costs associated with the surgery, which could be over $20,000. I did find another surgeon who is a possibility, as they accept my insurance. However, I would have to travel out of state, and would still have out-of-pocket surgery costs. Insurance would help, but I would still have to pay for whatever is left, travel, staying there for potentially several weeks to recover, and not being able to work now from pain, and after the surger,y while I am recovering. 

Endometriosis is a crippling disease that impacts 1 in 10 women, and often takes 5+ years to be diagnosed with. There is no cure for endometriosis, and the treatments are incredibly limited. The most effective treatment is excision surgery, which is why I desperately need your help to improve my quality of life, and help fight this disease. 

Endometriosis is not a death sentence, but it is a life sentence. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read this, share this, or just remember the impact these diseases can have on women. If you’re able to donate anything at all, it will be appreciated beyond words. This surgery could give me a chance to work again, have pain free time with friends and family, and give me back some quality of life. 

Thank you all!
Rachel Warren