Surgery Update

Today was my two week post-op appointment. It was such a great appointment and I can't wait to tell you more about it, but first, my surgery.

So my parents and I made it to Portland on Sunday, and immediately set off for the waterfalls on the east side of Portland. Unfortunately, with wildfires recently, most of the waterfalls weren't open for visitors. We did manage to see Bridal Veil Falls, and they were gorgeous! Also got to check out the columbia river gorge. Truly a gorgeous location. Supper was delicious at the same thai restaurant that I visited in Portland last time! It was wonderful, and I was able to get extra meals for after my surgery. And then we visited the best bakery in the world! Back to Eden Bakery is completely gluten free and vegan (so the dairy free I needed), and it makes me feel like a normal person! I got a soft serve ice cream cone!! So good!

Day two included my pre-op appointment. Getting closer to surgery definitely was making me nervous, but my surgeon made me feel so much more confident. I think working in surgery gives me a huge benefit going in for my own surgery. I was able to understand everything that he was going to do and that just proved to me how right I was to make the trip to Portland. Once my appointment was finished, we all went to the Pittock Mansion for a quick visit. It really was a lovely home. And then we headed out to Cannon Beach! It was cool to see the Haystack Rock! A lovely drive along the coast and then back to Portland concluded our day.

Surgery Day! I woke up at the insanely early time of 4am and couldn't sleep anymore. I worked on my puzzle from my gift bag from a dear friend. We headed to the surgical center and got set up shortly with the nurses. It is a single operating room at this surgical center, so it was nice to have the attention of the staff being so focused. I specifically requested to not receive Versed, a drug that relaxes you but causes mild amnesia. The anesthesiologist agreed readily though it was not a request he seemed to get often. Getting the IV placed was definitely the hardest part. I've struggled with IVs and blood draws my whole life. My anxiety increased significantly with the first attempt but the anesthesiologist did the second attempt and got it straight away. We quickly proceeded to the operating room where I got to meet the rest of the surgical crew. My favorite part of the surgery is that I know exactly what we talked about. And I remember waking up and talking with the surgeon. He confirmed that I had deep implants of endometriosis on my left side, where I've had pain for years. It was such a validation to hear it from him! He was able to remove all visible signs of endo successfully. I never felt  groggy or unlike myself. I could even help navigate us back to the hotel!

Recovery at the hotel went fairly smoothly. I definitely had some pain and swelling immediately after. But we kept everything very chill and relaxed. I slept off and on for the next 48 hours. Dad had to leave the day after surgery, and then mom and I flew back home on Thursday. I don't know what I would have done without mom's help. She got a wheelchair service set up, and it was incredible. I so appreciated all the help I was given. Flying so soon after surgery was so difficult and painful. I was so grateful again to have my mom's help and to get back home.

Each day has been an improvement in how I'm feeling. And my bursts of energy have continued to increase in duration and frequency. Having my follow up today was so great! I went to my local doctor to check incisions and she immediately remarked about how great of a job my surgeon did with my incisions. We also had a great discussion about why I chose to go to Portland! She seemed genuinely interested in seeing the resources on the Facebook group "Nancy's Nook" where I learned so much about my chronic illness and also where I found my surgeon! The conversation was just extremely fun too as we talked about food in Portland! I truly enjoy my primary care provider.

Tomorrow is my first shift back at work after surgery! I'm a little nervous but really excited to get back to work! I know that each day will get easier as I continue recovering from my surgery.  The hope I have is great! I'm really excited to see how my recovery continues and am truly hopeful that the symptoms of my endo will improve. And I have gotten a lot of questions about whether this surgery would change our plans for pursuing adoption over biological children. Our plans have not changed. We are so excited to dive into adoption and we are still praying specifically for the miracle of twins! Wouldn't that be incredible?! We are so excited! Please keep praying for us as we navigate this, and as I continue to recover from my surgery!

An unexpected answer

After my surgery, I was told that everything looked normal, but they still took biopsies to check things out. They didn't seem to think anything would come of it, and I definitely felt the same. I figured any problem serious enough for everything I've been through should at least be visible! 

So, I adjusted my thinking to having no diagnosis and was just starting to feel okay about it when my biopsy results came back. They were not normal. I got a diagnosis. I got the diagnosis I have anticipated for years.

My initial reaction was disbelief. Having gone through the stage of accepting no diagnosis, it was so overwhelming to wrap my head around this discovery. 

I did more research. I talked to my support system. I eventually calmed down. 

Now, a few days out, all I feel is relief! I have an answer! My concerns were validated in that one answer. I wasn't delusional about my symptoms. I wasn't just seeking attention. In one moment, every doctor who didn't believe me was proven to be wrong. 

I feel so empowered by this experience. My thoughts and concerns have legitimacy. I do understand my body better than anyone expected. 

I have a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss everything. From my current understanding, I have the best case scenario for this diagnosis. Things are still at a very low level of aggressiveness and might remain that way for a very long time. This is a result that I can handle and accept. 

After multiple losses, years of pain and frustration, I can confidently say that I have surgically diagnosed Endometriosis, and I am at peace, at long last.