Funny how things can change in the blink of an eye, isn’t it?
Here I was, thinking I’d have a nice little break, catch up on blog reading & commenting, cooking, and so on. As a matter of fact, I thought I’d be spending Saturday heading to my local farmer’s market with a friend, and then getting a blissful acupuncture treatment.
Instead, I’m actually going in for emergency surgery (1 pm ET)… which I found out yesterday. So there goes my weekend.
What’s the surgery for? I’ll tell you, but before you read any further, please know that if you’re uncomfortable reading about “female issues,” you should stop right now.
Feeling great, then not-so-great
Many years ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Two procedures later, it’s still wreaking havoc on my body; so much so that on Thursday evening (ironically the day I shared how one month of #mybootcamp has gone), I was doubled over in pain as the irregular bleeding I’ve been dealing with for years was just … weird. And I have a pretty high threshold for pain.
Having seen how horrendous the E.R. can be, I opted not to go in. Rather, I called my OB/GYN practice, got some medication advice (they didn’t think I needed to go into the E.R. at that point either), and went in to see my doc yesterday. An ultrasound followed, which revealed that there is a large mass on one of my ovaries, and which needs to be removed.
And it needs to be removed now, because it’s so large that it might pull the ovary over, making the latter twist back on itself, thus cutting off its blood supply. In which case, the ovarian tissue would die and possibly poison me to death. I believe the medical term for this is ovarian torsion. Oh, and the ovary may need to be removed as well, depending on what condition it’s in.
So the surgery (which will be done as a laparotomy) is today. I’ve been told I’ll have to stay in the hospital for at least two days, maybe more. And recovery is apparently four to six weeks.
You know what my first thought was, when I was told? “Dang, I won’t be able to do my bootcamp for a while!”
I don’t know when I’ll be back online “properly.” Until I am, there won’t be any new posts here on WUL. I’m hoping this won’t be for more than a week… but honestly can’t say at this point. But we will be back… so please don’t give up on us!
And another thing
I’d complained about the symptoms of endometriosis for years, and no one paid attention.
It was only after I learned to be a little more aggressive, and started complaining louder, that it was finally diagnosed. I’ve seen this happen far too often with other diseases and people, especially women.
So if you know in your gut that something is wrong, please don’t stop talking about it. Talk louder, and louder, until someone pays attention.
So that’s what’s happening with me today. If you can spare a kind thought or prayer (if you pray) for me and my family today, I would be so grateful. Good vibes never hurt anyone, did they?
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, be safe and healthy, my friends. And to those in the U.S. – happy Labor Day weekend!
Image: derekkeats via Flickr, CC 2.0
[…] years from now, you will be diagnosed with severe endometriosis. As a result, you will never bear children. This is going to hurt you, and you will cry and mourn […]
Praying for a speedy recovery and healing. :)
@johanetsebeth I’m doing so much better now – thank you very much!
[…] I told you I had to undergo a laparotomy (that’s abdominal surgery, where they cut into your tummy, not fun) to have a mass on one of […]
Dang, lady…so sorry to be out of touch and just learning of this today as I saw your tweets this morning. I see you’re back up and at ’em albeit gingerly. Take good care to recup all the time your body tells you…no way you need to relapse. Do you think the bootcamp brought this all on??? Heh. <3U
@Soulati | PR LOL. No, definitely not the bootcamp’s fault! Wasn’t it cool to G+ Hangout yesterday?
Shonali,
Here’s to a quick return to 100% healthy – and no more surprises. You’re an inspiration to so many of us. So back on your feet fast!
@dc2fla Thank you so much, belatedly – and see you soon!
Shonali I was saddened to hear this. When they were in there, they probably laser ablated (hopefully they did) your lesions and you will get relief that is longer lasting. As long as you use some controlling meds
I have endometriosis as well. Sounds like not to the extent you do. Have had laparoscopy twice. One thing that helped believe it or not was relaxation breathing. I was doing it for other reasons. Learned it during a 12 week mind body course. Happy to teach it to you via skype (20 minutes is all it takes).
Hope your recovery is going smooth! Hang in there! I know when you are recovered you will be back full steam!
Cheers,Rajka
@ExpatDoctorMom I’d love to learn your relaxation breathing technique. I used to do yoga and have been thinking of possibly starting that again. Thank you so much, belatedly, Rajka!
My skype name is drrajka email me(drrajka@expatdoctormom.com) if you want me to do go over the breathing. You could record on Skype and then use it again! Also, I can insert positive messages. Just did this for a friend who is trying to get pregnant. @Shonali
@ExpatDoctorMom Oh, thank you! I’ll add you on Skype so that we can do that. And it will be so fun to actually see and talk to each other!
Great! Look forward to it! @Shonali
Just dropping by to say: I hope you are feeling better and better, each and every day:) Cheers! Kaarina
@KDillabough You’re the best!
Sending love and e-hugs. Hopefully today is a better day for you. :)
@Shanan Thank you – so much better now!
Back to say that I hope that you are feeling better.
@3HatsComm I love someecards! But don’t make her laugh she might bust a stitch! ;)
@rachaelseda@3HatsComm I can laugh now!
Sorry to read that you’re not feeling well. I wish you a speedy recovery, and if it’ll help, I’m ready to send as many snarky ‘get well’ Someecards as necessary. Take care.. and take it easy.
Shonali, just want to let you know that I hope the procedure went well. Take good care of yourself – you’ll be missed…but don’t rush back until you feel better. We’ll still be here :)
@elizabethsosnow Very belated thanks. It did go well and I’m feeling so much better – all your comments/notes made a huge difference!
OMG shame on me for getting here late. Hope you are in full recovery and everything went well. Much blessings and wishes for you!
@HowieSPM Very belated thanks!
Thinking of you Shonali! I know many friends that have this same condition and your advice is great. You know your body better than anyone else, even a doctor with years of training. I hope everything goes well and I am glad you caught this when you did. Let me know if you need anything at all of course!
@rachaelseda You, probably more than most, had to put up with my “sick” moaning and groaning. Thank you so much, my dear!
Yikes, Shonali! I hope you start feeling better soon. Sending good thoughts — and a virtual hug — your way. Take care of yourself!!
@HeatherWhaling Thank you so much, albeit belatedly!
Egads, woman. Phil and I are hoping for a full and speedy recovery!
Susie Caragol
@Susie Caragol Thank you!
Shonali, so sorry to hear about this and I know someone like you, who can’t sit still, is probably going crazy in the hospital as I write this. But I hope very much that your recovery is as quick and painless as possible.
You’re in all our thoughts…
Best,
Marcus
@Marcus_Sheridan Very belated thanks, Marcus! I think the first 2-3 weeks I was still so tired, I couldn’t think of anything but sleeping & watching bad TV. When I started to go stir crazy, I knew I was getting better. Ha!
Saw your tweet updates……….of course……….hope you are resting comfortably.
I wanted to check back in again to see if there was an update. Take care of yourself- no rush to get back here. We’ll be ready when you are.
@TheJackB You’re terrific – thank you!
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery Shonali. Our thoughts are with you.
Do take care of yourself. The WUL community is not going anywhere.
@adamtoporek You’re awesome. See you soon!
Praying for you, Shonali! I’m so glad you chose to go to the doctor rather than suffer through it, after suffering for so many years. This is such a powerful message for all of us, to be proactive about our health, pay attention to our bodies, and don’t just shrug things off. Thank-you for sharing this with us!!
@NEMultimedia Thank YOU!
Hi Shonali:
Positive, healthy vibes your way as you recover. I’m so glad you took care of this before it caused permanent damage. Take it easy, rest and know that everyone can wait for the next event or blog post. Without your health, nothing really matters.
@abarcelos So true – we have nothing without our health. Thank you so much; even though I couldn’t respond before this, your note made a huge difference!
Hoping things went well and you’re already beginning that recovery period. Sending you prayers, hugs and strength. Also to John, who’s likely going through nearly as much as you are.
@mdbarber John has been a BRICK. Thank you again for everything!
We are all waiting here. Take care and be back soon, in all your health.
@AmritPa1 Thanks, my friend! Now that I’m back, I’ll be looking for your next submission… :p
We are waiting here. Take care and be back soon in all your healthy.
It has all been said already. Feel better. We are all pulling for you.
@NancyD68 Thank you!
I am thinking of you Shonali. It is good that you listened to your body! I hope your surgery and recovery goes well and remember in no time, you will be back to your bootcampin’ ways!
@AliahPR Doing very well now, knock on wood (5.5 weeks post-surgery). Thank you so much!
You know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Shonali. By now, you’ve had the surgery and hopefully resting. As everyone else has said, we’re your community and we have indeed “got your back.” As I’ve said before, do not hesitate to ask…I will do it.
All my best for a speedy, restful recovery. We’ll all be right here waiting on you when you return.
@EricaAllison You have been incredible. Thank you so much, belatedly!
@LiveUrLove yeah me too.
@ameenafalchetto just left a comment as well, that is really bad. Hope it goes fast and smooth.
I hope you get out soon and get better fast. So sorry to hear this but better to have it now than let it go worse. I am going to send some good thoughts your way and waiting to hear all it good!!!
@Brankica Thank you – and I will be over visiting at your place soon!
Oh wow shonali hope it all goes smoothly and they can save your ovary. It’s one of the hardest things to diagnose BTW. I had emergency laparoscopic surgery done for a ruptured ovarian cyst 2 years ago. I kept going to the doctors complaining of pain – scans showed nothing. I was eventually admitted for suspected appendicitis. The CT showed it was an ovarian cyst that was bleeding. I was in for 5 days post surgery. Recovery does take time. The first 2 weeks are the hardest. Will be keeping you in my thoughts.
Get well soon and make sure you ask for all the drugs you can get!
@Ameena Falchetto Ugh – that must have been awful. I had a laparascopic procedure some years ago, and thought recovery from this surgery would be similar. NOT. Your comment about the drugs made me laugh (though I couldn’t physically laugh without tremendous pain when I read it, ha!). I hope you’re doing well Ameena, and thank you so much!
Get better fast!
@John Falchetto I’m going to start bootcamping again soon, I hope – belated thanks, my friend!
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that! I will be thinking of you!
@sydcon_mktg Thank you!
Oh shonali ..I am SO sorry to hear about your health scare. I am indeed sending you all kinds of positive thoughts and vibrations your way today and as you recover. It is absolutely a strong reminder that we know our bodies better than anyone and we need to learn to listen to them and heed their message. I am so glad that you listened.
Good thoughts and warm wishes…
Claudia
@SocialMediaDDS Just wanted to say thank you for posting this when you did, albeit belatedly!
Best of luck and hope you get to feeling better soon, Shonali. Sending prayers, chants, virtual huggs & general good vibrations your way this weekend.
@TomRedwine Thank you, belatedly!
Oh no–hope you”re ok. I had a similar thing and suffered for 3 years before they properly diagnosed it–I second you on the listen to your body/go with your gut. Hope you have a quick recovery!
@maggielmcg Thank you! It’s been about 5.5 weeks now and I’m almost at 100%. All your thoughts made a huge difference to me.
Take good care of yourself and those ovaries, Shonali! Prayers, good vibes, and healthy thoughts are with you and your family.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is the body never lies. I’m glad you’re listening to your gut! (Pun intended. :))
Rest, rest, rest….
@PattiPalmer1 Yea, that gut has a way of shouting sometimes, LOL. Thank you so much!
My good thoughts and prayers are with you Shonali! The end to pain is in sight for you.
@jennwhinnem Very belated thanks, I so appreciated your kind thoughts and prayers!
Sending positive vibes, powerful prayers, healing energy and bucket loads full of smiles and sunshine your way. I know you’ll come through this with flying colors: the training you’ve done physically through your bootcamp will serve you well through this, and through your recovery. You did make me smile with your comment “Dang, I won’t be able to do my bootcamp for a while.”….so Shonali:) Love you, my friend. If there’s anything I/we can do, as @bdorman264 @KenMueller and @Ari Herzog already said, we’re here for you now, and will be here when you get back. Hugs, Kaarina
@KDillabough Thank you! And now that I’m back, I’d like some bacon, please. :p
Indeed. In the words of Godin and others, we are your flock and you chose to lead us to salvation so wherever you go we follow. Tell us what to do and we will do so.@KenMueller
Feel better!
@Ari Herzog@KenMueller Very belated, but I just wanted to thank you for stopping by when I posted this. It made a HUGE difference to me, once I could actually get back online, to see how kind everyone has been.
Ay, yi, yi; you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to you and Godspeed; we will certainly be here when you get back at it………………………
@bdorman264 And now you can make me laugh! Very belated thanks, my friend, for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear this, Shonali. Will definitely be praying for you. Remember: we are your community. We are here for you in many different ways. Let us know how we can help.