Join My Battle Against Rare Compression Disorders

I have unfortunately had a long medical journey and years of battling undiagnosed vein compressions. I have advocated for myself and still continue to do so by seeking out the right team of doctors for these rare compression disorders. These compressions are rare and therefore the right doctors are crucial for accurate treatment. After years of suffering and searching, I have finally found the perfect team over at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin. This team of specialists has helped me to get properly diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). These issues cause me to have symptoms such as severe left flank pain, lower back pain, migraines, vertigo, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, groin pain, and left leg/foot pain and swelling. Due to lack of proper care because these vein compressions are so understudied, I have developed more compressions and more symptoms over time. Now with the proper team, proper testing done, and proper diagnosis, I have the proper treatment plan in place. My doctors have considered me for a Renal Auto Transplantation. This is where they take the left kidney, and they move it to the right pelvic area below your right kidney. Essentially, it is two surgeries in one. The first being the removal of the left kidney, and the second being the reconnection of it to the new area in my body. They pretty much re-arrange my plumbing to alleviate the compressions and try to salvage the left kidney. As I mentioned before, this has been a long journey to get to where I am now and I still have a long road ahead. Even after this surgery, I might need one or two more small procedures if my body does not react the way we hope it will, including placing a stent in my left iliac vein as it is 80% compressed (May Thurners). I am mixed with emotions about this surgery because I know it is needed to improve my quality of life and to ensure a healthy future, but on the other hand, it is a HUGE risk, and it comes at a HUGE cost. I am reaching out to you, my family, my friends, my community, and I am asking for your help to make this happen. I will have to be out of work for a minimum of 6-8 weeks for the surgery and recovery. The funds that will be raised will go towards helping with travel costs, lodging, meals, medication, costs not covered by insurance, and follow-up care. Please help me get to Wisconsin and get the long-awaited treatment that I need to get healthy, start my road to recovery, and to finally feel like me again!