Moate resident seeks funds for chronic pain treatment in Romania
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Moate resident Lorraine Lenehan Clery has raised over €2,900 for a medical trip to Romania for the treatment of her chronic pain symptoms which have left her life in disarray.
For over a year, Lorraine, has struggled to find a solution following an unsuccessful surgery in Ireland. The procedure, intended to alleviate her pain, only worsened her condition, leading to daily debilitating discomfort that has greatly impacted her quality of life.
“My pain is now constant, and it’s incredibly hard to manage,” Lorraine said. “It’s so severe that I’ve had to be admitted to hospital for pain management. As we all know, hospitals in Ireland are not the easiest places to be.”
A mother of young children, Lorraine’s condition has taken a toll not only on her physical health but also on her ability to provide for her family.
Lorraine has been given multiple diagnoses, including Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and more recently, Adenomyosis. However, she has found that none of the treatments for these conditions have provided her with lasting relief.
The reality of her situation became clear when she lost her job due to the ongoing health challenges.
“My kids deserve a mother who is well, who can enjoy life again and do the things I love,” she said. “I’ve lost so much, but I’m not giving up.”
In search of a solution, Lorraine turned to Bucharest, Romania, where many Irish patients like her are seeking specialized care that is not available at home. It was there that she met Dr. Mitroi, a specialist who helped her uncover a deeper understanding of her condition.
“The pain may not be from Lupus or Fibromyalgia after all,” Lorraine said. “Dr. Mitroi diagnosed me with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and nerve damage, which has completely changed my understanding of what’s been happening to my body. It’s a huge relief to finally have some answers.”
While this new diagnosis has brought some clarity, Lorraine now faces the challenge of funding the treatment she needs.
“It’s a relief to know what’s causing my pain, but the cost of treatment is something I just can’t afford right now,” she said.
Lorraine’s GoFundMe page 'Support Lorraine’s Journey to Surgery' has been instrumental in helping her work towards her target of €15,000. As of Friday, October 24, she has raised €2,989 from some 89 donations.
She hopes that her story will not only raise awareness about the struggles of those living with chronic pain but also highlight the lack of specialised care for conditions like hers within Ireland.
“There are so many women like me, having to travel abroad because we don’t have the care we need at home,” she said.
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received, but I want to see change in our healthcare system. No one should have to go abroad just to get a diagnosis and treatment for conditions like these.”