Erica’s Story: Finding Hope Through Pelvic Floor Botox
For women suffering from chronic pelvic pain, finding effective treatment like pelvic floor Botox can feel like an impossible journey. Erica’s* story is one of perseverance, hope, and the life-changing impact of receiving specialized care for complex gynecologic pain. Thanks to the Aziza Project’s Travel & Medical Expense Fund, we were able to cover Erica’s new patient appointment in October, connecting her with expert care that finally offered real answers. Here, in her own words, Erica shares her experience traveling to receive pelvic floor Botox with Dr. Babb at the Haven Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Erica’s Journey to Effective Pelvic Pain Treatment
After so many years of pain, several misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments, it’s hard to believe I have finally started a treatment plan that I can trust. Last week, I traveled back to Oklahoma to receive pelvic floor Botox under the care of Dr. Babb.
My husband and I were incredibly fortunate to receive help from not only the Aziza Project, but also Angel Flight. Angel Flight is an organization that offers charitable medical flights for those in need, made possible by a network of volunteer pilots across the country. The pilots that helped get us to Tulsa were incredibly kind and helped me feel comfortable and cared for right away.
The day after we arrived in Tulsa, I had my pre-op appointment at the Haven Center. At the appointment, Dr. Babb gave me as much time as I needed to ask all the questions I had. I left the appointment knowing exactly what to expect the next day and knew I was in good hands.
At 6am the following morning, we arrived at the Oklahoma Surgical Hospital for the procedure. I was more nervous than I expected. While waiting in my pre-op hospital bed dressed in a surgical cap, gown and socks, my husband and I looked at pictures of our animals to pass the time and help keep me calm. When they wheeled me down the hallway to the operation room, my anxiety started to escalate. Before I knew it, I heard footsteps trailing behind the bed and a familiar voice. When I saw Dr. Babb, my anxiety immediately reduced. I had never felt that level of comfort with a doctor before, but the trust I had build in my previous visits with Dr. Babb made all the difference.
After the procedure, we returned to our hotel room to rest. Although I experienced a bit of pain during recovery, I felt a sense of relief knowing that the hardest part was over and I now had a path forward. The next day, we met with Dr. Babb one last time before leaving Oklahoma. He answered my remaining questions and did a final exam to check for any complications. We made a follow up appointment for two weeks out.
Since returning home, I’ve had some time to process my experience. Although my journey to living pain-free isn’t complete just yet, having a treatment plan that I trust makes all the difference. Next week I can expect the Botox to take full effect, and I will also start physical therapy. I look forward to continuing to advocate for my health and starting 2026 with a new sense of hope.
The overwhelming support I have felt from the Aziza Project, the Haven Center and Angel Flight combined is something I can’t quite put words to. It has restored not only my hope in getting better, but also my faith in people coming together to help strangers. The feeling of having not only answers, but donors supporting my treatment is incredibly surreal. I am inspired to pay it forward in every way that I can.
Accessing Specialized Pelvic Pain Treatment Through The Aziza Project
Your contributions to our Travel & Medical Expense fund ensure that we can continue to offer hope to people suffering from complex gynecologic pain. The Aziza Project is a project of Visions Made Viable, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in California, making your donation tax-deductible. Donate to our Medical Expenses Fund today.
*Name changed to protect patient privacy
