Most people don't know that I live with chronic pain. I don't like to talk about it and I chose not to let it bring me down. I suffer daily with intense pain in my left ankle, stomach and with pelvic pain. My stomach pain isn't constant (it isn't every moment of every day) but it does affect me most days. My ankle is a constant source of pain and is a result of a terrible car crash that my family was in when I was 20. My pelvic pain is because my body made three amazing kids but was not good at recovering and healing from the trauma that pregnancy and c-sections created.
I've had ovarian cysts since 2007, when my second child was a few months old. It isn't uncommon and sometimes isn't even noticed by a lot of women. My body is the epitome of Murphy's Law and I feel every follicle every time. I have had many abdominal surgeries for various reasons. I delivered all three of our children via C-Section (my first was an emergency and the second two were recommended as a safer option for my body) which is a major abdominal surgery. I've had my gallbladder removed, I had exploratory abdominal surgery, I had my uterus removed, I had a separate surgery to have my cervix and fallopian tubes removed and a few of other laparoscopic surgeries. Due to my body requiring so many surgeries I have plenty of scar tissue which my doctors clean up every time they're preforming surgery but it always grows back, that is just the nature of scar tissue. As far as reproductive organs go all I have left are my ovaries. With the cysts I've been having excessive ovarian pain but have been putting off having one or both of my ovaries removed since I was in my late 20's. I do NOT want to experience menopause or the associated side effects for as long as possible.
But, I just couldn't hold out anymore. I was getting to the point that my ovary pain was making me suffer daily, not just when I should have been ovulating or going through a natural cycle of what ovaries do. I saw my doctor and talked to my former OB/GYN. They both agreed that I've put up a good fight for the past few years but it was time to look into removing an ovary. So, I did.
My doctor, who I adore, opened me up on Thursday and found that my left ovary had adhered itself to my bowel. She carefully cut it out. She said that my right ovary looked healthy but had a lot of scar tissue and adhesions around it/near it so she cleaned all of that up. She also found endometriosis. While I'm still adjusting to having this horrible, painful disease, it gives me a lot of clarity and validation to the severe constant pelvic pain I've been having.
I am incredibly thankful that while I've had so many surgeries and health issues that I know that I'm not missing out. I know several women that have had similar issues that can massively affect fertility, but the difference is that I'm complete. I have three great kids and have known that our family is complete since I had my third child. I don't feel like I'm missing out. I know that I'm lucky on that front. Many women who suffer like I do haven't had children yet or still want to have more and may not have that opportunity.
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So, for all that have been wondering why I had to "go under the knife" again, there you have it. After years of putting it off, I had my left ovary removed, adhesions cleaned up and endometriosis diagnosed and cleaned up too.
I'm a little over 48 hours out of surgery, I'm very sore and doing my best to rest up. My husband (and kids) and my Aunt have been massively helpful and I couldn't be more thankful! I also want to thank my sweet friends Jill and Shannon for my beautiful flowers, my new friend Eileen from the Junior League for dinner and to my countless other family and friends who have checked on me and offered their love and support! You all are so incredible, thank you!!
Unfortunately I will be having another surgery (lucky #30!) in about six weeks. I will be undergoing another ankle surgery. That one will take longer to heal as I'll be having bone shaved and chiseled off of my ankle/lower leg and wax put on my bones so they can glide easier instead of grind every time I take a step. All of the info on that surgery will be for another post :)
Again, thank you to everyone who has reached out to me offering their love and support! xoxo
Until next time, count your blessings! :)
~Sara Jane
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