Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Addressing your questions about pelvic, women's, and musculoskeletal health. Health is a journey. Movement is healing!
I've had pain since I was a teen. I have seen more women's health provider's than I can count.... in the past two years alone I saw 6 different physicians. Each one had a similar treatment planned, which failed over and over again--birth control, pain medication, heat, topical creams. As a pelvic health provider this has been incredibly frustrating. Those things patients tell you that make you cringe, I've heard them as a patient too. "Drink more wine", "maybe the tampon is too big", "periods are supposed to be painful take some naproxen", "your symptoms will only improve with birth control", "maybe you should seriously consider whether you want to have kids", "you are just too complicated, what a mess". That last one was my favorite, let's just say that was the first and last visit with that provider. So many ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs all normal.
You know what isn't "normal"? Constant sharp pain in your abdoment and back that keeps you from sleeping and drains your energy during the work day. Constant fatigue. Period cramps so painful that you're tied to a heating pad. Pain with feminine hygeine products. Pain with sex. Bloating which increases your pants size by two sizes. It took me 11 years and LOTS of self research to find one physician who took my symptoms seriously and affirmed that my symtpoms were not "normal". Four weeks later I was scheduled for an endometriosis excision surgery. While I have worked with patients recovering from similar procedures, I really didn't understand the depths of recovery. November 2019 I had an extensive endometriosis excision surgery where I was diagnosed with Stage 3 endometriosis on many aspects of my pelvis and abdomen. My right ovary was filleted to remove the a majority of an endometrioma. Nerves were adhered in my abdomen and had to be freed. I knew the recovery was going to be painful, but I had no idea just how long it would take. Initially as a PT I was really angered that when discharging from the hospital NO ONE spoke with me about bed transfers after having an abdominal surgery. COME ON NOW. You are weak, your nerves have been disrupted, and there is a higher chance of developing hernias if you rely on a vaslava to get up and move. A few weeks later my chest pain was still very persistent, I was having a difficult time sleeping, and shortness of breath. I was advised to immediately go to the ER to be assessed for a pulmonary embolism. It wasn't thank GOD! Six weeks later I was feeling pretty good, I passed my follow up with flying colors and advised to start pelvic PT and resume sex. So I started some gentle abdominal tissue work to address scar tissue. Not a great idea. I started to have searing, constant belly button pain. I couldn't wear pants because any contact in that area burned. I was sent again to the ER and for further diagnostic testing, nada. I suspect I flared a nerve. It was pretty angry for a few weeks. I felt so disconnected from my body. I was having a difficult time connecting with my abdomen and pelvis, it just didn't feel like it was mine. Emotionally and mentally it was difficult to recover. Not just because my body wasn't my own, but the compounded trauma from years of living with chronic pain and the toll it takes. It changes your relationship with other people as well as your relationship with yourself. It is so disheartening to see so many proclaimed experts who try to diminish the validity of your symptoms and offer solutions you have tried for years. Six months out and I am better, but still not painfree or symptom free. I still have flares of pain which limit my ability to participate in life and disrupt my sleep. But, I am constantly building my treatment team and plan. Professionally here is who I have seen in the past 6 months:
I still struggle with connecting with my body. I am just starting to feel strength in my body again, it is definitely weak. I think this will be an ongoing journey to recover and thrive. Most days I am hopeful, some days I am not. But I plan to continue to share my journey with you all. Be well! What a crazy year. I apologize for my hiatus, it was unintended. Let's catch up on the cliff notes.
I have struggled with debilitating back and abdominal pain this year. Which drained me at work, at home, in my relationships leaving me constantly exhausted and a shell of myself. It was a daily struggle to make it through the work day and try to come home and make dinner. While surgery definitely helped to alleviate my physical pain, some still remains. It also left me feeling disconnected from my body--the mental and emotional impacts were completely unexpected. I became physically weak. (Six months later and I am FINALLY starting to feel my strength returning.) When you are constantly in survival mode, you neglect other aspects of life. The silver lining, I have so much more empathy for my own patients. I also get to experiment with different treatment modalities firsthand and figure out what resources I can pass on. So now with all my down time during my transition I have the opportunity to reflect on what I value, how I want to live my life, and what kind of relationships I hope to cultivate. Let's not kid ourselves, these stents of introspection are fleeting during quarantine. I'm doing some serious work on my Netflix list too. Be healthy. Stay well. |
AuthorHello! I am Caitlyn, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Board Certified Women's Health Physical Therapist working in St Louis, Missouri. Faculty in developing residency program. Endowarrior Categories
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July 2021
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