So I have been meaning to write this post for two weeks now, and I have simply not had time to write it yet. So I am going to take a shot at it. Bare with me if my thoughts are random and all over the place I have a lot on my mind.
Power of the Chart:
Three weeks ago, I went to see a new doctor, two hours away get a second opinion about the next steps. I knew going in that I would need surgery, in fact that is why I went to see her in the first place. My other doctor did not want to seem to even do a diagnostic surgery yet, even through we had been going to her for over a year. So it was time for a change. I was mentally ready for surgery, at this a diagnostic to find out if I have endo and how bad. But what I got was something not expected.
My new doctor, Dr. H, is super nice. She spent over 30 minutes reviewing my charts with me, asking me questions about what each thing was and fixing errors I made. She figured out how long my cycles were, how many days each cycle I had of TEBB both at the end of my cycle and period, and really spent time looking over it. She was concerned about my TEBB, something my other doctor did not really seem to notice. She was concerned about my long periods and the fact that I tend to ovulate on day 28. After telling I had going on, she flat out recommended MAJOR surgery. She recommended a ovarian wedge for me. I knew of this, but I did not think I was a candidate since I am now ovulating at least 6 times a year. I explained this to her, but she said that because I am ovulating extremely late, that I would be a good candidate to shorten my periods and help me to ovulate much more normally. She explained what is done and why it works. She uses a robot to assist her, so there is no large incision, so my recovery is only two weeks. She of course would check for endo, remove all endo she finds, and check my tubes. She also is going to take cultures to figure out my TEBB. (If she finds it, it is three week of antibiotics for both DH and me, plus the first 10 days of every cycle for the next 6 cycles. Oh joy!) After thinking about it, we knew we came there for surgery, so we decided to go forward with it. So next Thursday, November 14, I am having surgery. My recovery will be two weeks or 6 weeks depending on what she finds. I have given her permission to make the large incision to clear out any endo she can't use a robot for. I figure I am already having surgery, I don't want to come back. So let's do it. She assures me that it takes a lot for her to have to, so that makes me hopeful.
Why did I title this the power of the chart? Mainly because she mainly looked at my chart to determine what was going on. She did do an examine, but she did not need to do anything more than that. No ultrasound (which makes me nervous, because I am not 100% convinced I even have PCOS, but she said she was sure based on my chart and my symptoms. She also said she can tell when she does the diagnostic part to be sure.), no more diagnostic testing, just going right to surgery to figure out the problems. I have grown a lot to0, a year ago I was not ready for surgery, in fact I pretty much said no. But now I am ready, I want to find out what is wrong and fix it now.
Advice needed
Now I know many people who read this blog have gone through this surgery before. I will have to be the hospital for at least one night (three nights if she has to make a large incision). I am supposed to be on a clear diet the day before. What do you recommend? I am nervous about that. I also would like advice on what to wear right after I am released and what I should expect recovery wise. I am skeptical that it will only be two weeks. Is recovery for robot assisted surgery only two weeks? What is your experience? Any and all advice about this would be helpful. Thank you in advance.
Prayer Request
Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. Not only that the surgery goes well, but it is healing. Also that it is only a two week recovery. I also ask for prayer about paying for it, the cost is a little uncertain at the moment, because she might have a lot to do, so please pray that we have enough saved for it. I am nervous but hopeful.
I am not sure when I will blog again, this weekend will be busy getting the house cleaned and buying stuff I need. I will blog as soon as I can after surgery. I will also update the facebook group as soon as possible, so for those there you might find out sooner.
Finally, I am go grateful for this "community." I am feeling your prayers already :) Thank you for being there for each of us in our time of need. Please know I will be praying for you as well and offering up my sufferings for each one of you.
