A local story in the SouthtownStar news shared the story of a young woman who suffers with Pulmonary Thoracic Endometriosis. Brandy Derkacy of Mokena, Illinois is a 23-year old who suffers from this terrible illness that includes coughing up large quantities of blood whenever she has her menstrual cycle. The story of her and her guardian is a special one that Phil Kadner wrote about in his column with the hope that someone would read the article that could help. Brandy was struggling with no income and a guardian with a small income and his own list of health issues. Like many today, she has been unable to get any kind of health insurance. She was able to get a diagnosis in 2009 at the University of Chicago Medical Center from pulmonary specialist John McConville who saw Brandy and diagnosis her condition as thoracic endometriosis.
After the article about Brandy ran in the SouthtownStar recently Heather Guidon, surgical director for the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta reached out to Brandy thanks to a “Google Alert” Heather received under “endometriosis.” This Center is willing to help Brandy. They believe in excision through the use of a laparoscopy.
It is going to be interesting to hear of the results and we hope Phil Kadner will keep us updated on this story. You can read his past articles about Brandy and how she connected with the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta at the links below.
Two special friends fight frantic health care battle
'wow! My goodness, Wow!' Brandy may get help
What is Endometriosis?
It is when excess endometrium lining of the uterus that normally grows in preparation for the implanting of the egg begins, does not completely shed during menstruation. It then begins to attach to other places of the body other than the uterus. When menses comes not only does the lining in the uterus bleed the endometriosis that has grown in other places of the body also bleeds. Endometriosis can be hard to diagnosis. Some of the symptoms are:
- Heavy menstruation with pain, large clots, long cycles
- Pain all month long
- Ovarian swelling
What is the cause of Endometriosis?
Doctors and Scientist really don’t know for sure but it has be linked to hormone imbalance, diet high in conventional meat, exposure to radiation and EMF’s.
What are some of the holistic therapies for Endometriosis?
Some women have experienced relief with natural supplements to balance the hormones along with a natural progesterone cream. Herbs such as Red Raspberry, E-Tea and Pau d’Arco has helped some women gain relief. Cleansing and detoxing the system and changing over to a healthier diet are important. Also, add more fiber in the diet to help rid excess estrogens. Women should include dark leafy greens for extra fiber. An overall wholesome diet and less processed foods are also beneficial. Massage therapy along with castor oil packs has helped women with endometriosis. A self-massage DVD has been created to help women get relief when used as directed. You can read more about this DVD at this link:
The Benefits of a Fertility Massage
Women interested in more details on a natural program for endometriosis can contact Herbalist, Marguerite Wright for more information: momsherbs@gmail.com
Comments
Very interesting story. Hats off to Heather Guidon in Atlanta for her willingness to help.
Oh my gosh, what a horrible and scary condition! I am so glad that Heather decided to help and will be looking forward to an update!
What a painful ordeal!
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