Seeing the Doctor for My Endometriosis
I have been counting down the days until April 9th and could hardly believe it was finally around the corner. The weather report was calling for 6-8 inches of snow Sunday night into Monday morning and I had a 2 to 2.5 hour drive ahead of me on Monday. I decided to change up my plans.
I headed up Sunday night and got a hotel room. At about 5am the nerves really kicked in. I had a nightmare that I saw a doctor and she (yes, I’m seeing a male doctor, but the nightmare had a female) told me she couldn’t help me. I woke up in a cold sweat and was back and forth in the bathroom. I think the culmination of all my emotions just took over. I finally fell asleep and felt better in the morning.
It snowed over night in the cities, but not even close to what home got. I was very thankful I made the drive up the night before. After breakfast I sat at the desk and tried to keep my mind busy until I had to head to my appointment. I love this view I saw out my window this morning. Yes, I realize they’re tire tracks, but they’re also two hearts and I was reminded that God is in control no matter what happens.
And then it was time. The office was really easy to find and from the moment I stepped into the office everyone I dealt with was so nice. I was nervous. In fact when Dr Palmer finally came into the office I actually cried. I think I was just relieved that I was seeing someone who understood what endometriosis is and that can actually help me.
We talked. He listened. Then we came to some decisions. A hysterectomy is in my future. I won’t lie, it’s a bummer. I would love to be pregnant with my own child and carry a baby. It’s been a dream I have had since I was a little girl. I understand that if I want to be cured and I want to be pain free this is what I need to do and I have made my peace with it. In addition to the hysterectomy he’ll be doing an excision of all the endo wherever it may be. And surgery may be here as early as next month! I am so looking forward to waking up with out all this pain.
If you are in the Minneapolis area (or with in a few hours) and have endometriosis I highly suggest making an appointment at Oakdale OBGYN with Dr Palmer. Of course I’ll be sharing my thoughts on infertility and keeping you up to date with the surgery.
You can find all my endometriosis posts here.
Do you think you might have endometriosis? Here are some great places to start:
My daughter always had bad periods and it took years for her to have a child. She never went to see if she had this but I guess its possible.
I had a very bad miscarriage when I was 16 years old. I even had to have a D & C. This was back in 1972. Well I was young and back then, the doctors talked to the parents and not to the children. So I didn’t know until later that I had scar tissue from that incident even though I had a D & C! And I did not have the Internet either. Like yourself, I prayed and prayed about what to do. The doctor kept telling my mom that the best way to deal with this was to have a partial hysterectomy.
So I do know something about the pain and what you went through. I am so so sorry! I will pray that God starts to heal your heart now!! I know you’ll be fine with the Good Lord on your side! We don’t always know what He has planned for us, but he does NOT make mistakes! God Bless you!!
i never realized how prevalent it is!
Dear Donna, please know that you are in my prayers. I think you are amazing. I can tell that you are listening to God for guidance and direction. And by the way, I love the hearts in the parking lot <3
While a hysterectomy doesn’t cure endometriosis, a clean through excision will go a long way towards healing. I kinda wish I had my uterus removed when I had my ovaries and excision because it took my body way too long to figure out that I wasn’t supposed to be having periods. Baffled multiple docs. You will feel such relief when this is all behind you.
Donna,
You are such a strong woman. I admire your bravery and your faith in our Lord. I am so glad that our paths crossed all thoes years ago. ikk
I am so sorry that this is the path but hopeful that you will be pain free in the future. Hugs and prayers.
Hugs Donna!!! Thank you for sharing your journey!
You have answers and I am happy that you will be able to live without all of this pain. I know this was a tough decision, but I’m also glad that you understand that it’s the right thing for you to do. Hugs to you and wishing you a safe surgery and a speedy recovery.