Surgery #2

On January 31st, I will have my second surgery. My first surgery was a laparoscopy for endo, but this surgery is for my IC symptoms. 

I will be having a cystoscopy with hydrodistention. This is not my first cystoscopy, but this will be a much more invasive procedure. If you would like, you can read about my first cystoscopy here. Thankfully, I will be given anesthesia this time!

 I am very worried about this procedure. I had surgery just under 2 months ago and worry that I may put my body through too much, since I will have a robotic laparoscopy in the spring that will last several hours (more on that in another post).

On a recent doctor's visit, I was told that I will most likely be sent home with a catheter after the hydrodistention surgery. Ever since being told that, I have been very upset.

I do not know why I should be sent home with a catheter. Why can't they keep me overnight or as long as needed for my bladder to heal before sending me home? As much as I want to feel relief and to get back to work, I will not go to work in the shape that I am in.

I am putting myself through so much to "feel better." I know that I am not alone, but I am very scared. This whole experience has been terrifying. 

As the days get closer to surgery #2, I am getting more and more nervous. I am even more scared for my upcoming surgery then I was for my laparoscopy. I also have been experiencing anxiety and depression. I am in pain, nauseous and weak all of the time. I swear that my endo is spreading so much that it is pushing on the nerves in my back. I keep getting a painful tingling sensation in my back.

I am also missing my parents and sisters. I wish that they could be here for my upcoming surgeries, but I know that it isn't a possibility. I have my husband, and he has been amazing through this whole experience. I am so thankful for him.
 

 Please keep me in your prayers. I am trying very hard to remain strong. But, even the best fall down sometimes.

Maybe if I have a good cry, I will feel better. 

xo Heather 

Cystoscopy Advice

If any of my readers or twitter followers have IC or are being tested for IC, you will have a cystoscopy. 

Photo Credit: Mayo Clinic

I was diagnosed with PFD and IC during a cystoscopy in September of 2012. When my previous urologist told me that I would be having a cystoscopy I wasn't even sure what it was. I was in pain, exhausted from the pain, confused and thought I would do anything at the time for relief. 

I remember my urologist telling my husband and me that his medical assistant would set up the cystoscopy appointment and that the procedure would last about two minutes. He also told me that I could time him if I wanted.

I knew then that it was going to be an unpleasant experience, but I scheduled the appointment. 

Two weeks went by, and it was the day of my cystoscopy procedure. I had read exactly what a cystoscopy entailed, so I had been trying to mentally prepare myself for the procedure for two long weeks.

Dr. A (my urologist) came in with his medical assistant to start the procedure and numbed the skin. They waited for the numbing to take affect, then started the procedure. It was the most gruesome two minutes of my life. I did not time Dr. A, but if it only took two minutes, it felt much longer. The pain was brutal and I was in pain for a couple of days following. The situation was barbaric.

                                  

Just today, I was talking with one of my endo sisters who also has IC and we were talking about our experiences. My cystoscopy came up and I told her that I will never understand why I was sedated for my colonoscopy but not for my cystocopy. She told me that it sedation is the doctor's choice and that she had her first cystoscopy without sedation. also. Her experience was horrible, and she was traumatized from the experience also. 

She told me that a future doctor told her that doctors who do not sedate patients before a cystoscopy procedure are inhumane. No one should go to a doctor who will not sedate their patients before the procedure. 

So, ladies, if your doctor is going to perform a cystoscopy as a diagnosis method and does not sedate. Run. Find another doctors as soon as possible. We are in enough pain as it is, and do not need cruel doctors to make us feel worse. 

xo Heather 

MedGift

I am a huge MTV fan, it is my guilty pleasure. Diem Brown, who is an MTV reality star was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she has started a foundation called "MedGift." When I found out about Diem's story and her fantastic organization, I wanted to share it with you!

"MedGift" is a fantastic organization that allows people with various medical conditions to create a gift registry of things that are personally needed. For example, if you need help with medical expenses or prescriptions, simply add it to your wishlist. Need help covering the mortgage or rent while you are out of work? Let your friends, families and co-workers know what is needed by signing up for the website. 

For more information about the lovely Diem Brown, check out her biography here. You can also find her on Twitter. To sign up for "MedGift," please go to the website for more information. 

xo Heather  
 MedGift Photo Credit: MTV

"Your Song"

"Your Song" by Elton John is one of my favorites. So when one of my favorite X-Factor contestants sang an amazing version of such a fabulous song, I was blown away! Check out the video above, I dedicate it to all of my readers and Endo Sisters! Love you all!

xo Heather

Malpractice

I am not a dramatic person, I just sometimes feel that doctors did not want to listen to me. I begin to wonder if my doctor's would ever figure out what was wrong with me. Honestly, I wondered if they would ever listen to my symptoms and terrible pain. Like most women with Endometriosis, I have struggled to make doctor's hear my voice. 

 

So, this brings me to what I believe is a valid point: I could possibly have a medical malpractice case.

(Photo Credit: Bain & Rodzik)

Has the thought ever crossed your mind? Did you pursue that thought? Please share your thoughts and opinions.

xo Heather 

Dr. Oz

Dr. Oz showed a segment about Endometriosis and laparoscopic procedures on his show. In case any of you missed it (like I did) here is the segment.  I am dying to hear what you think! Please let me know your thoughts below!!!

 http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/explaining-endometriosis

xo Heather