Erica’s* Story: A Virtual Consultation That Restored My Hope

I had my virtual consultation with Dr. Babb today. Although I was extremely nervous going into the appointment, I left feeling a sense of relief and hope for a future with answers and reduced pain.

As anyone with complex gynecological pain knows, it can be really overwhelming to put your faith into a new treatment or doctor without knowing if you will find the results you are looking for.

After seven years of misdiagnosis, failed treatment, and lack of empathy from healthcare professionals, self-preservation has often taken over in the form of mistrust and pessimism.

Today however, Dr. Babb at the Haven Center restored some of my optimism that diagnosis and treatment may be in sight. Dr. Babb’s empathy was apparent from the very start of the appointment. He listened as I recounted my long journey of pain, asked thoughtful questions and answered all of mine. I could tell he was paying close attention the entire time, and I felt extremely validated.

Last year, I received a diagnosis for a lifelong autoimmune condition, despite my biopsy being negative and symptoms not quite aligning with the typical clinical signs. After listening to my history, Dr. Babb agreed that there are other conditions to explore and that my ailment might not be autoimmune at all.

In preparation for my in-person visit in just two days, Dr. Babb walked me through what testing he will perform and what signs he will look for to make a diagnosis we can feel confident about.

While I still feel a lot of uncertainty, his positive outlook and thorough approach makes me feel hopeful that the appointment will lead to the answers that I have been seeking for a very long time. None of this would be possible without the Aziza Project and their donors. I am incredibly thankful for their support which has made all of this possible.

*Pseudonym used for privacy

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.