Post Op

Well we’ve returned from D.C. and I have to say it’s an amazing city. Sure would love to see it again when I can walk long distances. I had my post-op appointment today with Dr. C. She removed everything Endometriosis, looked like Endometriosis, just didn’t look like it belonged, and some more adhesions. For the first time in 2 years my left side pain is, for the most part, GONE!!! Only time will tell for sure as I had some relief from it last time, but I have my fingers crossed this is it. Something that was observed during surgery was blood pooled in the cul-de-sac (behind the uterus). Dr. C feels that this is indicative of “retrograde menstruation” (as surgery was performed during the first few days of my cycle) and a very probable cause of my persistent Endometriosis. Not to mention the pain that fluids in this region cause since it takes the body time to absorb it. The only way to stop this would be to either tie my tubes or perform a hysterectomy. Obviously, neither are an option right now. Another observation was that my uterus is “soft and boggy”. This is suggestive of Adenomyosis. This is a condition where the Endometrial lining invades into the uterine muscle. This causes pain as well. The only confirmation available is a pathology report after a hysterectomy, but Dr. C is pretty confident that this is present. No studies have been done in relation to whether Adenomyosis can cause infertility issues, but Dr. C’s experience is that it doesn’t as she has many patients who’ve delivered full term babies who later were diagnosed with Adenomyosis. The only solution for this pain is a hysterectomy. Again, not an option. Only time will tell if this a major factor in my pain or not. So it’s a “wait and see” approach for now. While in OR, the Depot Lupron shot was administered. It is hoped that this will have an added benefit for the Adenomyosis as well. (fingers crossed). Depot Lupron treatments will put my system in to artificial menopause for 6 months. The benefits are that the Endometriosis that may still be present will shrink to the point of not being a problem long enough for us to get pregnant soon after my treatments are finished. So far, as of day 6, I have no ill side effects. Again, fingers crossed. I’m hopeful that my experience with Lupron will be positive. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We are hopeful that we are winning this battle and will soon hold a precious little child in our arms and Rhonda will be pain free. We are still waiting for God to reveal His plans, but we feel confident we are heading in the right direction. We are thankful for family, friends and a team of wonderful doctors who are supporting us through our journey.