Back to Reality

I saw my doctor a little over 2 weeks ago.  She appeared to be rather freaked out when she saw my lengthy list of questions, but I decided that since this visit was all about ME getting answers I should be entitled to some (and to ask whatever the heck I wanted to ask in my 20 minute appointment slot).  She is calling my endometriosis stage IV and when I asked if I had "obliteration of the cul-de-sac" she unfortunately agreed with me. This often means rectal involvement that can complicate the surgery.  She recommends a complete hysterectomy and oophorectomy done only by a surgical specialist in complex pelvic surgery.  One concern I have is estrogen replacement following surgical castration should I choose to have it.  (Don't you love that term?  Can you imagine mentioning "castration: to a man and seeing his reaction, yet many women are asked to do it every day!)  If every spec of endometriosis isn't surgically removed it can reoccur when estrogen is given.  Lovely.

I just got back from a visit with my mother in Idaho.  Once I have rested up a bit (and caught up a bit) I plan to send my test results and surgical report to Dr. David Redwine in Bend, Oregon.  He charges just $125 to review endometriosis cases and give his professional opinion.  That feels like a steal right now and I plan to take full advantage of it.  I also hope that he will be able to recommend a surgeon in my area.  He is "the man" when it comes to endometriosis surgery.  I'm anxious to hear his verdict, but it will take about two weeks to hear back.  I wonder if he'll think I need a hysterectomy?  Fingers crossed that he will know another way around this.

I'm hurting today.  I'm not sure if I just overdid it by going from 4 weeks of not lifting anything over 15 lbs. to moving my own over-packed luggage around or what.  My belly button is sore and most of the discomfort is above it and to the right side and on down to that pesky right ovary.  I'm giving the homeopathic remedy ProSirona a try for pain.  http://www.prosirona.com/facts.html  I am not happy that it comes in a mineral oil base, but I do like the idea of using something more rather than less natural.  The active ingredient is calendula oil.  It's very expensive and I was not impressed with my first use 2 weeks ago, but I'm trying it again.

I haven't had a period since before my surgery and I wonder if that is part of my pain now.  I had might as well have one because I feel like I am anyway with the pain and bloating!  Now for that rest I was talking about.  Later.