In October 2023 I underwent surgery for endometriosis. As I had mentioned in an earlier article, I didn’t realize that I had endometriosis until it was suggested as a reason for my infertility. Anyways, the Doctor suggested the surgery and I said yes, no research, no thinking about it, in my mind all I heard was this will get you pregnant so blindly and hastily, I agreed.
The surgery went well, 3 small incisions, and to be honest the recovery was not nearly as painful as I thought it would be. Work had been quite busy at the time so I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I treated it like a vacation. I was healing well and thought women with endometriosis should know about this, the main goal was to help with fertility, but I was also going to benefit in the long run, no more debilitating periods!
The first period after the surgery was excruciating, I wasn’t warned about this, but after a little research I found out that this is to be expected. You are still healing internally. After your first cycle, they put you into menopause for 3 months to hinder the endometriosis from growing back – obnoxious little disease. This part FAR outweighed the surgery, you are put on aggressive meds. Common side effects are nausea, hot flashes, and mood swings. My brain does this sneaky little thing where it blocks out crummy things and I’m not going to lie my memory is a little hazy on this. All I remember is being very sick and very miserable.
What I do remember is starting to research the medications I was taking. Yes, I know, bit of a too little too late situation, but what I found was scary. The potential risks were high, and the medications could have lifelong side effects. Again, bit late, I was in it now. At least it would help us get pregnant and I would be able to manage my period pain.
It is currently 11 months since my surgery, I was not able to get pregnant. After further testing, it turned out not to be our major infertility factor. I am also sad to say that I am writing this from my bed with the heating pad on my belly. The endometriosis is back. I truly wish that I knew all of this before, would it have changed my decision? Probably not, but at least I would have known the risks.
This article is not meant to deter you, but rather to encourage you to invest in yourself. Ask the questions, do the research, you owe it to yourself. Knowledge is power.
