Still Standing Like A Stone Wall

Hey Everybody!

The title comes from this song by Syleena Johnson

It took me a while to decide if I even wanted to do this post or not on this blog because this is supposed to be my "happy" blog. But then I thought about it and decided I can post whatever I want because this is MY blog. I posted the beginning of this post over on my other blog over a year and a half ago. You can read it here. But I will give the Cliff Notes version: In April 2011 I had a Single Port Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy at the age of 34 due to a severe case of Endometriosis. In an effort to suppress the Endo and allow me to heal properly, my doctor put me into Chemical Menopause for six months. I thought that would be the end of it because I was feeling so much better after the CM was over, even though I knew the Endo could come back because I still had my ovaries. Well in July 2012 my worst fears came to light: the Endo was back with a vengeance, which leads me to this post. On September 2012 I had an Robotic Oophorectomy: the removal of my ovaries. When I had the talk with my doctor beforehand about this surgery, it was really hard for a number of reasons:

1. I was worried about my babies. In the last few years I have had 2 Pulmonary Embolisms, and a surgery.
2. I didn't want any more surgery! My first one was supposed to be an hour long and it turned into 7 hours, a blood transfusion and an a hospital stay
3. How much more could my relationship with my fiancee take. He's been with me through it all.
4. I didn't want any more surgery!
5. Menopause!!!!!! The real kind!

 I trust my doctor with everything in me. We've basically been to war together and I know he has had my best interest at heart the whole time. I knew this was one surgery he didn't want to do because he kept saying "You're only 36. You're not supposed to be in menopause. That's why I left the ovaries the first time."  Ultimately it was my decision: live with the pain and complications, or have the surgery. After talking with my love, we decided on the surgery.

My four hour surgery turned into 7 hours again, another hospital stay and a month of bed rest, and my love was there the ENTIRE time and he continues to show me that he will always be there. I'm still in the healing process but I feel good despite some of the menopause symptoms. Hot Flashes are the devil! LOL!

I write this post to say this: Ladies, take your health seriously. Don't just rely on one doctor's opinion. If I had been a little more diligent and gotten a second opinion when I was seeing my previous OB/GYN, a lot of this could have been avoided. but hindsight is 20/20 and I am not living with regrets.

I'm not one for putting my business in the streets, but if this helps just one person, I'm happy. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me at: rhondalong9@gmail.com

Stone Wall- Syleena Johnson

Have a great day everybody!