“I am so lucky that I was connected with him. I hope everyone has the fortune I had to find a doctor like Dr. Wagner. It is amazing that programs like Operation Access exist to help people; I am speechless. I don't know what so many of us would do without you and all your volunteers. I would still be in the same situation had I not been accepted into your program. Thank you!”

For six years, Rosa suffered from severe iron deficiency anemia, which was associated with painful menometrorrhagia (excessive and prolonged uterine bleeding) that lasted three weeks each month. Also, vertigo impaired her ability to do many things independently. She feared getting into the shower because standing for long periods worsened her dizziness. Even walking around her home was a challenge. She had to hold onto walls or she would fall. Exhausted and stressed, she yawned uncontrollably and her eyes teared up. Because she was often unable to drive safely, her husband and son started driving her to appointments and errands.

Rosa has lived in Napa County for 25 years and works as a housekeeper. Her dizziness and exhaustion often forced her to leave work early. She described her exhaustion as sickening. "I was living a frustrated life because I would tell myself, I want to feel normal, but I'm no longer normal." Eventually, Rosa stopped leaving her home because she felt bloated most of the time, and sun exposure exacerbated her dizziness. On top of that she became self-conscious and embarrassed about her physical appearance when acquaintances would tell her she looked ill.

For five years, Rosa worked closely with her primary care provider, Denisse Maldonado, FNP, at OLE Health in Napa to control her menstruation and anemia symptoms. Rosa tried many treatment options, including birth control pills, an intrauterine device, and Lupron injections, but nothing seemed to control her bleeding. Ms. Maldonado recommended a hysterectomy. Initially, Rosa was seen by a specialist who did not agree that a hysterectomy was necessary, but instead suggested an endometrial ablation. Although Rosa was worried about getting the procedure, she agreed, hoping this would give her relief.

Unfortunately, the ablation did not go as planned, and Rosa contracted a severe infection that resulted in a three-day stay in the hospital. Still suffering, Rosa returned to Ms. Maldonado, who referred her to Dr. Michael Wagner, an obstetrician-gynecologist who provides services at OLE Health. Dr. Wagner, also a volunteer with our program, self-referred Rosa so that he could donate the hysterectomy procedure she needed.

Rosa was thrilled to learn she qualified for our program, and that she would finally have surgery. Rosa fondly remembers the team prepping her on the morning of her surgery at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa. Dr. Wagner comforted her with the words, "Ready? No more symptoms; you will be fine."

Rosa's surgery was successful. In fact, it went so well that she did not need to take any pain medications during her recovery.

Two weeks later, Rosa felt healthy and ready to return to work. Her thyroid and iron levels are finally back to normal. She looks and feels better, and loved ones have noticed it too. A friend even jokingly asked her, "Did you have a hysterectomy, or did you get liposuction done? You look fantastic!"

Rosa is very grateful for Dr. Wagner and his team. "He is such a great doctor," she said. "I am so lucky that I was connected with him. I hope everyone has the fortune I had to find a doctor like Dr. Wagner. It is amazing that programs like Operation Access exist to help people; I am speechless. I don't know what so many of us would do without you and all your volunteers. I would still be in the same situation had I not been accepted into your program. Thank you!"

Story and photo shared with patient’s permission.