I was crushed. I really believed that this doctor would be able to figure out what was wrong. At that point I was ready to give up and just live with the constant pain. Keith convinced me that I should seek another opinion. After asking around for some recommendations I went to Dr. Silas, another OBGYN. After hearing my ordeal and doing a physical exam he agreed that my problem was most likely gynological. He suggested doing an explorative laparoscopy. After giving it some thought and prayer we decided to go forward with the surgery not really knowing what was there, if anything.
One of my greatest fears was that they would find nothing and the surgery would have been for naught. I was also concerned they would find a serious problem. Yesterday, I went in for surgery. The doctor found evidence of a prior infection that had caused a great deal of scar tissue to form. That scar tissued adhered my reproductive organs to my liver. He was able to detach the organs and put them back where they are supposed to be. According to my doctor, there was no way any external imaging could have detected this particular problem.
The long term effects of this are that I will still experience pain from time to time, although not nearly the pain I've had over the last few months. It is yet to be determined how this will effect my ability to have more children. I'll have to have more tests run so see how extensive the damage is.
I am so relieved to finally know what's been going on in my body. At times I felt like I was going crazy. Like, maybe the pain didn't really exist. It has been one of the greatest trials of my life, thus far. I have definitely felt the prayers of my family and friends over the last several months. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to endure this while still fulfilling my roles as a wife, mother and teacher. There have been days when I literally have felt myself being carried when I couldn't go on any longer. Thanks to everyone who has supported me through this difficult time. Now, all that is left is recovery.
4 comments:
Heather,
I had no idea you were going through this. I have almost the exact same problem, along with diaphragmatic endometriosis. I can completely understand feeling crazy and having doctors think there is nothing wrong with you. We went almost two years with doctors just pushing pain pills and not finding the problem. I was told I would not be able to have any more children because of the amount of adhesions and scar tissue in my fallopian tubes so my pregnancy with Libby was a complete surprise. I am now mostly pain free - but I do occasionally have some bad days. But nothing like before.
I'm glad they figured it out for you and hope you recover quickly. Let us know if you need anything. How strange to have someone else in the ward go through the same thing.
I'm glad to hear they found the problem and fixed! Good luck with recovery and hope you can relax and enjoy your vacation!
Heather! You are so amazing and strong to have endured that. I'm glad they figured out what was wrong and I hope the recovery goes quickly!
I am so sorry. That sounds so hard, especially being in pain with no diagnosis. I had no idea you were going through this; it must have been hard with your little kids. I'm glad that they seem to have found and fixed the problem; we'll keep you in our prayers, though.
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