Pelvic Health & Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Addressing your questions about pelvic, women's, and musculoskeletal health. Health is a journey. Movement is healing!
So we are in the final countdown leading up to my second scheduled excision surgery. New town, new surgeon, new plan. I have so many emotions leading up to this procedure. My first surgery was November 2019 where I was diagnosed with stage III endometriosis impacting my right ovary, ligaments, nerves, and ureter. The surgeon indicated postoperatively she had to "fillet" my ovary to remove the endometriosis and that she could not remove all of the disease. The recovery from the first surgery was tough. I ended up in the ER twice and had to go to do a second MRI postoperatively. I had a few months of relief, but then my initial symptoms of pain came back with a vengeance. Cue the second act. I am scheduled with an endometriosis excision specialist in St Louis in the next few weeks.
I am now in this wild emotional ride of fear, hesitancy, anxiety, and hope. I hope that this is the procedure my body needs to remove all of the endometriosis tissue. I hope this is the last surgical intervention I need to start my healing journey. But even with these hopes I also feel a sense of dread and fear. I very much remember how difficult my first recovery was. It is not something I am looking forward to reliving in the next few weeks. What if they don't find anything in my surgery? What then is causing my pain? What if the surgery does not help, but worsens my pain? I have been reading a lot of success stories from other patients who had a second surgery with my physician. That helps to ease my anxiety a little bit. I've been trying to get myself physically and emotionally ready. These past few weeks I have been organizing my house, almost nesting if you will. My endo box of resources is ready. List of these items below! I have been strategically buying comfy clothes throughout the past year for my recovery. I am filling my space with items that comfort me and bring me joy. Treating myself with Trader Joe flowers, a new candle, soft blanket. Mentally, I have been talking with my counselor. I am doing preoperative and chronic pain meditations. I am filling a journal with my thoughts and feelings. After surgery I plan on going for walks, working through my Netflix list, embroidering, and reading a few books I just ordered from the library. Also starting to play with the idea of creating my own wellness and health coaching business, so stay tuned for that! If you have any other suggestions for things I should do after surgery to support my healing please let me know! I would appreciate any prayers, good vibes, or healing energy you can send my way this month. As promised my endo go box: -Heating pad for shoulders -Ice Pack -High waisted underwear (1 size bigger) -Cotton Pads -OTC stool softners and gas meds -Biofreeze -Pillow for protecting incision site in car -Abdominal binder -Toiletries Other endo items: -Pregnancy Pillow -Loose fitting dresses, sweats, shorts -Peppermint Tea -Ginger Turmeric Tea -Squatty Potty -Compression socks |
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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