Today at 7am, I had my diagnostic laparoscopy, and 2 hours later, as I woke up in recovery, my nurse informed me they had found the endometriosis and removed it all, along with a few fibroids. My eyes filled with tears of relief. I have been waiting for this day to for over 2 years while suffering from pain, exhaustion, fatigue and doubt.
I never gave up on getting help. I knew something was not right, with pain on and off all month long, before my period, during and after. I experienced pain during sex and exercise. My life was consumed by my pain and trying to cope with it.
I want to help other women. The pain isn’t in your head. It’s real, and don’t ever settle for what one doctor says. My gynecologist of 10 years kept putting me off, saying it’s nothing or it’s your IUD string that your boyfriend hits during sex, causing pain. After multiple trips to the ER and Urgent Care, I knew it was time for a second opinion.
I’m an LVN and work for miVIP Surgery center in Orange County, California. We specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery. Here I am, helping women with this very disease, yet not taking care of myself. I sat down with one of doctors I work for, Dr. Marc Winter. He has treated thousands of woman with endometriosis and uses the robotic technology. Less pain, less down time, smaller incisions. Lo and behold, he was my surgeon. I have 4 small incisions–one in my belly button and 3 on my pelvic area.
At this point in my life, at 30 years old with no kids yet, I knew I had made the right choice. We caught the endometriosis before it scarred my organs. He had found most of it under my uterus and to the sides. He also removed a few small fibroids.
I lie here in bed, feeling emotional and relieved that I finally got the answers I’ve been waiting for. The best advice I can give is don’t give up. Seek a second opinion and don’t settle. If you feel terrible, there’s no reason to go through life like this. I highly recommend my surgeon, as he truly cares and listens to your concerns. He took such great care of me, and my recovery is going well so far. I have mild pain and some bloating from the gas used in surgery, but I’m pushing myself through it. Getting up walking helps prevent blood clots and relieve the gas.
I hope this sheds some light for you ladies, as I would never wish this pain on anyone. I hope you all find your solution and/or treatment soon. Again, if you’re looking for an experienced gyn specialist for endometriosis, I highly recommend Dr. Marc Winter. He is the best there is! Good luck to you all, and let’s beat this together!
Deanne
California
Submitted 04/21/2017
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been struggling with pain since I started my period and I am now 19 years old. I have been to several doctors who just acted like I was crazy. Yesterday, I went to a new gynecologist and he scheduled my surgery right away. Unfortunately, I have to wait until the 13th of September but I am still so relieved!!
You should definitely consider yourself lucky as many if us suffer with this for 15+ years with no diagnose no answer to anything. After 18 years of going back and forth to drs,being put on all kinds of meds I finally had my first surgery in 2015 diagnosed with stage 3 endo. Had my 2nd surgery this past Monday now diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. This is a never ending battle many of us will have multiple surgeries for years to come. Hope this isn’t the case for you.