After suffering from endo and abdominal/pelvic adhesions and dysfunction for 17 years, I've gotten to the point where the physical problems and symptoms are daily. I've had to take a medical leave of absence from work. My body is exhausted, and to be honest, so is my spirit. It is so difficult to suffer so frequently and to really have no hope of things EVER changing or improving.
The past few months I've been experiencing a great increase of symptoms that has greatly compromised my quality of life. Fatefully I've recently stumbled across a most amazing pelvic pain/endo specialist. I made contact with the office and spoke with an incredible woman who worked in his office. I couldn't believe how kind and genuinely compassionate she was, even after learning I have endometriosis. Frequently medical professionals make nasty assumptions against those with endo. I ended up scheduling both a phone consult with the surgeon to review my records and discuss a plan of action AND an in-person pre-op. After some thought and discussion with the surgeon it became apparent that excision surgery was the way to go with the endo and adhesions.
So last week, my mom and I piled into the Benz and made the six hour trek to the surgeon's office.
Here we are at the beginning of our adventure.
Grateful to my friend for reminding me to bring a pillow, as it added so much my comfort for being in the car so long. It was really uncomfortable to be in the car for so long.
The evening we got to town we went to dinner with a friend to a great Mexican place. I really enjoyed my white peach margarita.
More important than my delicious dinner and drink, my new friend gave me the gift of renewed hope.
After suffering for SO long I had begun to lose hope of things REALLY changing or improving. She's seen countless girls go from being in pain to health. I FINALLY have hope of myself going to that place of health.
Having endometriosis and adhesions really makes the exam portion of doctor appointment truly EXCRUCIATING. There hasn't been a pelvic exam or transvag ultrasound I haven't bawled through. She suggested a cute shop in town and we went there before my doctor appointment. I scored these new shades and this new ring, along with a headband. My mom also got a really pretty top!! Loved the shop and it really served the purpose of being a distraction.
We went to lunch at California Cafe and had a truly delicious lunch of tomato basil bisque and peach lemonade. We did cheers to my new doctor and our upcoming appointment.
The medical office was just beautiful AND the staff was incredibly kind, caring, organized and just all around phenomenal. The doctor is amazing and I FINALLY feel like I'm the right track; I'm on the path to HEALING. The consultation was perfect, unfortunately it had to end...dun dun dun...meaning the pelvic exam and ultrasound were upcoming. They lead me to the room and have me the option of having my friend coming in and being with me. At first I thought, no I don't need that...then on second thought I jumped all over that offer. And the support I felt from her holding my hand in combination with the most amazing, gentle, caring doctor EVER made for the least painful exam experience I've ever had. I can't say I'm looking guard to my next exam, but I can say that I'm infinitely less terrified of it.
Armed with a surgical plan and date, a renewed sense of hope and a fabulous sparkle headband I was able to leave feeling more connected within and in balance than I've felt in a very long time.
I was also put on a dairy, gluten and sugar free diet also by a special nutritionist. So keep your eyes open for recipes and success posts.
So far I'm in LOVE with green smoothies.
I'm going to be more regular in my posts.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and for your unending support. It is more than exciting to think that this journey is FINALLY on the right track.
~namasté all.
