My journey through healthcare isn’t particularly extraordinary. I don’t battle cancer, I’m not facing a disability, and I’m not in any immediate peril, at least not right now. Yet, perhaps that’s what makes my experience relatable—just how ordinary it is and how easily it could happen to anyone.
In 2014, I celebrated a series of life milestones: I turned 24, landed a job that energized me, adopted a beloved dog, moved into a beautiful new home, and even got married—all in one exhilarating summer. However, just months after my wedding, 2014 also marked the year I learned the source of my 13 years of chronic pain and various troubling symptoms. I was diagnosed with endometriosis, an incurable condition that impacts countless women.
Endometriosis is a deceptive illness that often begins during puberty (for me, it started at age 11). Unbeknownst to my younger self, cells that were supposed to be shed through menstruation were instead implanting themselves outside my uterus, leading to painful lesions, scarring, and severe distress. Despite my debilitating symptoms, doctors repeatedly dismissed my experiences as being “all in my head.” Many women with this condition face similar frustrating encounters within the healthcare system.
When I entered college, I knew I had to find a way to manage my pain while pursuing my education. The only medication that offered any relief was birth control. The first time I went to fill my prescription at the local pharmacy, I was shocked to learn the cost: $62. As a college student working part-time jobs, this was a staggering amount. I had never considered how much my health care would cost, especially since I had relied on my parents to manage my medical needs.
Suddenly, terms like “co-pays,” “deductibles,” and “insurance premiums” became part of my everyday vocabulary. Just as I was grappling with my diagnosis, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted. Initially, I had misgivings about the ACA; I resented the idea of being financially responsible for the healthcare of others. I viewed health issues almost as a personal failing, a misunderstanding I now recognize as naive.
A year or two after graduation, I drove to the pharmacy to pick up my birth control again, still battling chronic pain. To my astonishment, the pharmacist informed me, “There’s no cost. Have a great day.” I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw $0.00 printed on the receipt. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I couldn’t help but thank the ACA for making this possible.
As time went on, however, my symptoms worsened. My once manageable pelvic pain evolved into a constant ache that made it difficult to function daily. I began to struggle with food intolerances that turned my routine into a cycle of eating, suffering in pain, and sleeping for hours. My weight dropped to a dangerously low level.
What followed were numerous medical visits, a misdiagnosis, and a series of unhelpful doctors. After finally demanding a proper diagnostic procedure, I received the confirmation of my endometriosis diagnosis. Unfortunately, my treatment options were limited, and I faced hefty medical bills as I navigated this complex illness.
Thanks to the ACA, I was able to seek a new OB-GYN who specialized in endometriosis, allowing me to take charge of my healthcare. I didn’t have to worry about being dropped from my insurance simply because I was utilizing it. This security was crucial, especially since managing endometriosis can often require multiple surgeries.
In November 2016, I underwent my second surgery, coincidentally scheduled the day after election day. As I lay in the prep room, I couldn’t help but ponder the implications of my healthcare future. I feared the possibility of having to cover the cost of medications I relied on, and I worried about the limits placed on surgical procedures.
The thought of a healthcare system that could turn its back on those in need filled me with dread. I often think about my family and friends who also rely on the ACA for their health needs and the fear we all share regarding potential changes to our coverage.
I refuse to remain silent about these concerns. That’s why I’m sharing my story—not just as a personal account, but as a call to action. I was once healthy, but the reality of chronic illness can change everything.
I urge Congress to protect healthcare for everyone, including those like me who depend on it. In 2017, access to quality healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.
For those curious about related topics, you can explore more about home insemination and the tools available at Make a Mom or learn about the process of in vitro fertilization at Wikipedia.
Summary
In this reflective piece, Dr. Emily Harper shares her healthcare journey, illustrating the challenges faced by those with chronic illnesses like endometriosis. She highlights the importance of the Affordable Care Act in providing access to necessary treatments and expresses concerns about the future of healthcare access. Dr. Harper’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for health coverage for all individuals.