One year review of my surgery with Dr Nicholas Fogelson at NWEPS in Portland, Oregon…read more
One year ago today, I walked into Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon. I tried to hold onto a tiny glimmer of hope, but the real driver for travelling from the UK to the far side of the US, and paying for someone to operate on me, was desperation. Hope was in short supply.
I had suffered with daily symptoms that interfered with every aspect of my life, I had had two previous surgeries in the past two years, one with an expert ('Nook') excision specialist the year before, I had tried medications, I had seen many other specialists (in gynaecology/endometriosis and nearly every other specialty under the sun), and I had made drastic changes to my diet and lifestyle. I didn't feel I could live the rest of my life with so much pain and suffering, and I really didn't know what else to do or where else to turn.
I've written a little bit previously about how terrified I was to go through another surgery and also about the wonderful care I received from Dr Fogelson and his team. I could easily write more about this, but the main purpose of this post is a one year update, so I will focus on that.
During the past year:
- My post op recovery was smooth and steady.
- My pain decreased quickly and DRAMATICALLY, from making every moment of every day a struggle to having very minimal pain.
- I can really enjoy life again, and I have hope for the future.
- I have been able to eat a MUCH broader range of foods, adding back in many things I had cut out for a while.
- I have the energy and head space to be a better partner, family member, friend, and colleague.
- I have been able to work full-time again and make progress in a career I love.
- I have been able to start exercising more again, doing activities I love and had missed.
- I have gained back some of the weight I had lost after years of experiencing extreme gastro symptoms and being underweight.
- We have done some work on our house because I can think clearly, and because we aren't constantly paying to see more doctors and wondering when the next surgery will need to be.
- I felt well enough to consider pregnancy and to go through IVF.
- Our first round of IVF was successful, and I am now seven months pregnant.
- I am feeling well, and my pregnancy is going smoothly.
- I can't wait to meet this baby we dreamed of but didn't dare to believe would ever exist.
- Throughout the year, when I've had an occasional question, Dr Fogelson has continued to be approachable and helpful.
I know Dr Fogelson is humble, which is part of what makes him a great surgeon. I also know he's busy, which is not surprising. But, based on my own experience, I can't recommend him highly enough. I am truly grateful every single day to have found such a skilled surgeon who is dedicated to providing the best possible care to people who are suffering with endometriosis and pelvic pain, including listening to and believing patients, being very honest about potential risks, benefits, uncertainties, and limitations, and always wanting to learn and develop further. My experience of him was that he under-promised and over-delivered, which meant I went into surgery unsure what the outcome would be and came out transformed, with a new life for me, and now bringing new life into the world.
I wish everyone suffering the chance to get this kind of care and relief.