Medical Expense Funding

  Thank you for taking the time to read my story…I am 43 years old and have been over weight since childhood.  Starting with a severe medical condition of uterine fibroids since I was 13, I struggled to have an active life. For those who have fibroids or are unsure how I can label mine as severe I will give a little information: Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow on the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy periods, cramping, painful sex, and an urge to urinate. I suffered with extremely heavy bleeding every day all year long, which when you are a teenager and young adult definitely makes you close yourself off from the so called normal life. The pain levels at times can have me doubled over crying, curled up in fetus position. Many days were missed from school, work and evening activities. I was always tired, exhausted, hurting and changing clothes repeatedly throughout the day (to this day). When I found a doctor who told me what fibroids were and that I had several of them growing in, on and through my uterus, I began to do more research. This research also informed me of how fibroids thrived in the body. My body is like a walking buffet for them: the fibroids thrive on a hormone produced by fat cells. In my own words: the fat cells and fibroids had a mutual agreement on taking over my body. The fibroids promised to keep  me in pain, bleeding and exhausted that there was no way this girl was going to be active let alone be able to lose weight, which in turn the fat cells would produce lots of this hormone the fibroids needed and kept producing more fat cells. To the present time: After 8 years of research, jobs and insurances I was finally able to afford and become authorized for a gastric sleeve surgery which was done 09/2014. Life has been amazing since my surgery. The energy, the lack of anxiety and the decrease in depression has made me re think life and want to do so much more. I am currently 15 months post op; I attend fitness classes 5 to 6 times a week. (Unless I have a fibroid issue – that usually takes me out for about a week from ANY activity). I have lost a total of 112 pounds. I get complements and support from many people and it feels good to have people notice. My reason for starting a Go Fund me account is to obtain financial help to continue my weight loss journey. I have developed a pannus which is preventing me from losing more weight and reaching the goals I need. I have a grade 5 pannus which means it extends to cover my right knee. A pannus, or panniculus, also called an abdominal apron, is a flap of excess skin, fat and tissue at the bottom of the abdomen. It occurs on overweight and morbidly obese patients as well as on people who have lost large amounts of weight but still have excess skin. Doctors can remove the surplus tissue with a surgical procedure called a panniculectomy.  I am the type of person who would go out of their way for anyone in need and others needs always come before mine. I wouldn't be asking for help and not proud to be doing so. Anything will help and be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for your support you do not know how much this means to me.