tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63398361107853225802024-03-06T11:10:33.211-08:00The In's & Out's of EndoThoughts on living, laughing, and loving through the pain & struggles of Stage IV Endometriosis, PCOS, & Infertility.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-66706483643400035662010-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:002010-11-24T09:27:47.534-08:00The (Endo) 10 Commandments!I just got these in an ERC News email from the <a href="http://www.endocenter.org/">Endometriosis Research Center</a> and thought I would pass it along... heaven knows dealing with Endo is stressful enough, but add all the holiday season craziness and some days its just too much!<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Number one</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;">:</span> (and most important of all) Thou shalt remember that thou art the most important priority! If you are no good to yourself, you won't be any good to anyone else.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Number two:</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"> Thou shalt make a list - and check it twice. Planning and organizing is a sure-fire way to avoid adding extra stress to your day - if you need to go shopping for gifts this season, make a list of all those you are buying for, what you plan to get, and what locations you might be able to purchase the items at. Also - allow yourself plenty of shopping days! Don’t wait till the last minute.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Number three:</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"> Thou shalt remember that thou art not superwoman. This calls to mind a dear endosister, whom we'll call "J"....J. has a superwoman cape that she wears daily. As superwoman, she is mom, wife, businesswoman and world problem solver every day. The holidays make it worse. Many of us have our very own superwoman cape hanging in our closets...we have to learn that sometimes, it's ok to take them off. Do what you need to do for yourself and your family; don't take on extra tasks and responsibilities that someone else can - and should - be doing. For further reference, please see number one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Number four:</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span> Thou shalt learn how to relax - and make it a priority. Relaxing offers so many benefits! First, it gives your body an opportunity to heal from the day's events. Rest makes for a stronger body, and a stronger body makes for a higher resistance to stressors. Meditation, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, massages, hot baths, imagery and good old-fashioned sleep are just a few ways to relax. Put it on your schedule if you need to!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Number Five:</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"> Thou shalt not drag thyself to the mall if thou cannot rise up off the couch. If you are healing from surgery, having an especially hard time with your endometriosis, or are feeling just altogether horrible, remember the true spirit of the holidays...giving. "Giving" does not mean purchasing, wrapping and then giving; it means giving of yourself and your time. If you are unable to get out and about, invite your loved ones over for some quality time (if you feel up to it!). If you have children, spend time with them doing one of their favorite (low impact!) projects. They will appreciate it more than any gift Santa can bring. If you're feeling well enough, make and wrap up something homemade...cookies or other baked goods, collages or other artwork, a heartfelt homemade card or poem. And - there is always internet shopping!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Number Six:</span></span></b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Thou shalt grieve if thou needs to. The holidays can be really devastating to someone going through infertility, who has lost a loved one, or who has suffered through any traumatic event. Remember that it is ok to give yourself time to be sad if you need to be. Don't be afraid to seek professional assistance to help you cope.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Number Seven:</span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Thou shalt watch thy diet. We’re not talking about waistlines; we’re talking about the food and drinks so many of us strive year round to avoid because we know our symptoms will be "kicked up a notch," as Emeril says. During the holidays it seems that everywhere we go, we are handed foods and drinks – literally on a silver platter - and encouraged to eat to excess and drink to elevation. Ask yourself if the pain you know you will experience as a result of ingesting foods and drinks you don’t normally tolerate well is worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Number Eight:</span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thou shalt not sweat the small stuff. And, as a very wise person once said, "it's all small stuff." So what if you didn't get that angora sweater you promised your sister for a gift? Give her something else she'd value even more - another gift choice and your subsequent good health for not having worried yourself sick about it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #990000;">Number Nine:</span></span></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"> Thou shalt call thy healthcare practitioner if thou feels thou needs some extra medical care this time of year. Don't put off getting or keeping an appointment with your doctor because you think you have to go cut down a Christmas tree by yourself...the tree will still be standing there an hour later, after your appointment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b> <span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="color: #274e13;">Number Ten:</span></span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thou shalt refer to Number One at all times!</span></span>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-31440645184094222522010-10-30T12:19:00.000-07:002010-10-30T12:19:12.331-07:00Yup, still here.Wow, its been ages... again. Not much going on which is why I haven't posted in months. Life is pretty quiet (thankfully) on the Endo front... this Mirena thing is absolutely fabulous. I really can't say enough good things about it. I'm almost 18 months out from my last lap and I'm doing GREAT! I won't lie and say I am 100% pain free, but really I can't complain. Other than some cramping about 2-3 days out of the month and the random twinge here and there (usually on my right side, as always) I'm doing exceptionally well. I am very blessed that I am one of the lucky ones whom the Mirena seems to be working out for.<br />
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A few months ago I had to see my doc though about some bladder issues that I've been having. Me thinks interstitial cystitis... my doc seems to agree. I haven't gone to a urologist just yet as the symptoms haven't become bothersome enough to go through all that testing and discomfort. I was given a list of things to avoid (diet and drink-wise) and I have found that as long as I'm good this keeps the discomfort at bay pretty well. The Flomax didn't do much for me though. Oh well, we'll see how things go.<br />
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So... that's it, I guess. Ho hum, life is boring, yes, but for once I'm thankful for that!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-38043924808976289162010-07-16T12:57:00.000-07:002010-07-16T17:08:22.221-07:00Got Spit?If you do, would you mind sharing it with the good people over at <a href="http://www.juneaubiosciences.com/Juneau_Biosciences_Endometriosis_Preterm_Labor_Research.html">Juneau Biosciences</a>? They are currently researching the genes that play a roll in predisposing women to Endometriosis. I heard about their research and got really excited to do my part, especially since all it takes is a little spit! I've put up a banner/link to their website on my sidebar, but here it is again for easier access if anyone is interested!<a href="http://www.endtoendo.com/Endometriosis_Research_Participation_End_to_Endometriosis.html"> End To Endo!</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTParwK0zWCzQ4TZKlfz5wdqjuXxwR2bPCUh6W9Z4og-KaSzHfJaju2hxqyK_pK3VW52WD1KVuZUnmPi5J4OD5jyBxjbyw9P2SNHzoh0VgXo67HaSqvHm0UVuIoDU3IIraen_s-C_14c/s1600/100_0886.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTParwK0zWCzQ4TZKlfz5wdqjuXxwR2bPCUh6W9Z4og-KaSzHfJaju2hxqyK_pK3VW52WD1KVuZUnmPi5J4OD5jyBxjbyw9P2SNHzoh0VgXo67HaSqvHm0UVuIoDU3IIraen_s-C_14c/s400/100_0886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494597928658341986" border="0" /></a>Here is the package they sent me with the collection material, and paper work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43D4LwW0v2Cz02YgQUtH5TOJa-N34KtSK4FPJmW2cp13CwT6EJClZJmdcVmOd3Iq2PbqL6rAD0N9ynyTptol5FW1tF9DN6nnoHP1_8K7ottJGZ5HU-tjFzyeUr5_zXISiMki93g-P7j4/s1600/100_0887.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43D4LwW0v2Cz02YgQUtH5TOJa-N34KtSK4FPJmW2cp13CwT6EJClZJmdcVmOd3Iq2PbqL6rAD0N9ynyTptol5FW1tF9DN6nnoHP1_8K7ottJGZ5HU-tjFzyeUr5_zXISiMki93g-P7j4/s400/100_0887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494598568754487970" border="0" /></a>Spit, spit, spit! It looks like a whole lot but actually you just fill to the line and the rest is a preservative. Took me about 3-4 spits to hit the line.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yI3_zMO5bos6Y515DmDDtGKOjKLpVmY1jeqNpgjN1BYpQPQfhCE8UFmZ9Cc-kD3QvPBKdbTfN-IptUhOawDdDiUmpdriySVByyaJmG9DavTYMm0HFvYUW8ncG_n3x03uuCdcamd7_vY/s1600/100_0888.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yI3_zMO5bos6Y515DmDDtGKOjKLpVmY1jeqNpgjN1BYpQPQfhCE8UFmZ9Cc-kD3QvPBKdbTfN-IptUhOawDdDiUmpdriySVByyaJmG9DavTYMm0HFvYUW8ncG_n3x03uuCdcamd7_vY/s400/100_0888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494599189183875234" border="0" /></a>All done! No postage required even! :)<br /><br /><object width="430" height="270"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aYUW1WlAAXg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aYUW1WlAAXg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="430" height="270"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a video about this research and your part in it, should you choose to participate.<br /></div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-42648135119526307562010-05-30T20:32:00.000-07:002010-05-30T20:51:09.675-07:001 year post Lap (#2)Ok, so the year mark for <a href="http://theinsandoutsofendo.blogspot.com/2009/06/gas-pains-no-sleepy.html">my 2nd Lap</a> isn't until Tuesday, June 1st, but as I'll be working one of my 12 hr shifts @ the hospital, I doubt I'll get on and blog afterward. Plus, the blog was in serious need of updating, so I thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone tonight.<br /><br />Here I am, one year out from my last surgery and I have to say, I feel pretty dang good! The verdict on this whole Mirena thing is that while the first few months were a bit onerous, I do not regret it one bit. This lovely contraption has pretty much stopped my periods all together (with the exception of a few days of spotting every once in a blue moon) and I haven't been in any considerable amount of pain in so long that I can hardly remember. Have I been 100% pain free? No, obviously not, BUT have I had to take anything stronger than some Advil every once in a while? NOPE and that's a miracle, considering how I was dependent on Percocet and Zofran to even be able to function this time last year... phew, I'm glad that's in the past. <br /><br />How long will this blessed break from h*ll last? Who knows, but for now I will certainly take it! I know its just a temporary fix, but for me it has worked a whole lot better than all the gazillion other things/pills I've tried in the past. I'm also aware that it probably doesn't work for everyone, but I'm glad it's done what it's done for me. Hopefully things will continue this way until we are ready for IVF and can get this little sucker yanked!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-88482533054056231442010-03-01T08:53:00.001-08:002010-03-01T09:00:21.219-08:00Lets get this party started!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xeVh_f6_T-6EgcYpJ0EIgC-Mq1-LWp3aJ9ySGvHEqVe1CqXT12wDW0WByLpkNCwbwReEjkt53JSPYnLvWk4IwioE2jGM6fZrtQ7lx1g95v8v9y8vrYtg2v2L4rkYIIbbxsOt-noT00/s1600-h/endo_awareness1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xeVh_f6_T-6EgcYpJ0EIgC-Mq1-LWp3aJ9ySGvHEqVe1CqXT12wDW0WByLpkNCwbwReEjkt53JSPYnLvWk4IwioE2jGM6fZrtQ7lx1g95v8v9y8vrYtg2v2L4rkYIIbbxsOt-noT00/s400/endo_awareness1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443709754614386578" border="0" /></a>Happy Endometriosis Awareness Month, ladies! I hope this March will bring lots of info to lots of new people!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On a personal note, my right side pain has been flaring up lately and has caused me a weekend full of yuckiness, pain, nausea, nausea, and more nausea. Blegh! Today is just one of those days I wish I could just stay curled up in bed with my pups... too bad I have lab/class in an hour :(<br /></div></div>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-40356699786435825542010-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:002010-01-22T09:09:49.482-08:00It's working!While I still have zits like a 13 year old, I have to say that as time goes by I am loving my Mirena more and more! AF came this month and lasted 2 days. TWO days! Not only has it been the shortest AF in recorded Alex history, but it was barely heavy enough to warrant much more than liners! Perhaps I <span style="font-weight: bold;">will</span> get to the point where I no longer have them at all! I didn't believe this when my doc said it happens frequently but I am starting to hope now!<br /><br />Pain wise I am doing great! I still get the occasional cramp and/or pain in the right side but nothing a little bit of Tylenol/Motrin can't fix. I am about 7 months out and I have to say I am really happy with our decision to try the Mirena for a while until we can start IVF. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but so far for me it's been SO worth it! (Yes, even the zits!)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-84039356984506634892009-11-30T16:55:00.000-08:002009-11-30T17:09:20.988-08:00Hello again puberty... now go away!So I feel stupid complaining about this given how much the Mirena's pro's outweigh it's con's (at least for me thusfar) but seriously... it bugs! I have never had the absolute clearest of skin, but I've never had any real acne problems either. Even puberty wasn't extremely terrible... just your average case of the teenage zits for a few years and that was it... until NOW. <br /><br />I feel like I've fallen down some sick twisted dermatological time warp! It was really bad right after my Lap, but I figured it was my body getting used to another hormonal shift. I thought it would go away after a month or two... or three? But here we are 6 months out and my face looks like a 14 year old's. Argh... Thank goodness for Neutrogena, it's the only thing that seems to be keeping it in check... well, somewhat. <br /><br />*Sigh* I suppose this is an acceptable price to pay for less pain, annoying as it may be. Maybe another 6 months? :PAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-5453479602335350162009-11-03T12:08:00.000-08:002009-11-03T12:19:47.209-08:00BOO!Scared ya, didn't I? :) Well, it's been so long I wouldn't be surprised if no one even bothers to check my blog anymore, lol. Thanks Jeanne for sending me that note! :)<br /><br />So wow, it's been what... 4 months?!?! Geez, I'm such a slacker! Well, so here I am 5 months post-op and feeling much, much, much better! The Mirena took me a while to get comfortable with. I'd been warned about the random spotting and cramping and yes, it certainly did happen. The spotting wasn't really a big deal but the cramps were killer. I still have strong ones every now and then, but certainly not as regularly as 1-2 months post-op. I seriously felt like I was trying to birth the dang thing... I was told this would probably last 4-6 months, but it went away by about 3 months. So really, no biggy. AF is <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> light these days and like clockwork, its so nice! I heart the Mirena, really, I do! :)<br /><br />Post-op life has been hectic. I'm in school full time and working as well. I will be applying for the RN program here in a few months and so I've been working hard to keep my 4.0 GPA to snag a spot since its very competitive. I'm also about to complete my CNA certification and am currently job-hunting for a position in our metro hospitals. Life is busy, but I'm having a blast!<br /><br />All in all I'm feeling really good these days! Every once in a while I'll have a painful day, but they are not frequent at all, thank goodness. Whatever my doc did this last Lap seems to have worked and the Mirena is probably part of it as well. We'll see how I continue to do with it, but so far I'm a fan! :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-59848754703618315312009-07-11T15:13:00.000-07:002009-07-14T09:45:23.626-07:00The Sad Tale of a Stubborn Stich Named StanThere was once a stitch by the name of Stan. Stan was born with two missions in life: 1) Hold his assigned incision closed tightly until it had healed and 2) Once finished with his first mission, quietly and quickly dissolve and return to that great big pile of dissolvable stitches in the sky... But no, this stitch was special. You see, Stan was a particularly stubborn stitch. His goal was to be the strongest stitch out there, and do the very best job he could at keeping his assigned home (incision) safely closed up. So zealous was Stan about his first duty, that he began forgetting about (or ignoring, in my opinion) his second duty.<br /><br />One by one, Stan's stitchy buddies began saying farewell as the weeks went by and Stan's home healed and closed tightly. Yet Stan stood steadfast and immovable. Each day Stan's home would check to see if Stan was still there, and sure enough, he was. After a few weeks, something long and metallic began pulling on him every few days, but Stan did his best to hold on... and hold on he did. "Why is my home trying to pull me out?" wondered Stan. Resolved to make his home proud, he held on even tighter, and did his best to be visible and poke his home several times a day to remind it the he, Stan the Stubborn Stitch, was still there... doing his duty.<br /><br />Today however, was a sad day for Stan the stitch. Countless times, that long metal instrument had failed to pluck him from his home. Today his home tried again, but with a much less formidable enemy... fingers. "Ha!" laughed Stan... "You shall never overcome me, Stan the Stubborn Stitch! I shall stand my ground forev-""Yes!" cried Stan's home as all of a sudden Stan found himself trapped between two fingers. "Finally!" the home screamed. And with that, Stan was chucked unceremoniously into a nearby trashcan.<br /><br />The End :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-47585828157481035502009-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:002009-06-26T17:01:14.348-07:00Conniption FitI had myself a little breakdown yesterday... it wasn't pretty. My doctor was concerned that due to my recent surgery and all its post-op complications/infections along with lack of rest and stress from school and work, my body just isn't coping and healing well. I got some new sleeping pills and am happy to report that I actually slept through the night yesterday!<br /><br />I am a happier camper today :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-21223780181480294892009-06-25T05:25:00.001-07:002009-06-25T05:25:53.228-07:00Oh Mr. Sandman... where are you?!?!I have been awake since Tuesday, with the exception of about 3 hours. Last night I didn't sleep at all... not even 5 minutes. This insomnia is getting ridiculous... My little green pills have failed me and I feel like I'm about to snap. Not sure what else to do with myself for the next hour until my doctor's office opens up, that's why I'm here posting something that probably doesn't even make sense to anyone other than myself... my apologies.<br /><br />That is all.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-10764170702919971562009-06-23T17:42:00.001-07:002009-06-23T17:47:39.621-07:00Welcome ICLW'ers!Wow, this is my first time doing this and already I'm off to a slow start since I'm just now posting this... eeek! Sorry :(<br /><br />Welcome! Just a quick blurb about me, I'm Alex, I'm 28 years old and have Stage 4 Endometriosis/PCOS/Infertility. This is my blog about my pains, both physical and mental/emotional as I try to live life to its fullest in the midst of chronic pain... not to mention the inability to reproduce! Grrr....<br /><br />Most recently, I've had a Laparoscopic surgery to deal with cysts/adhesions/fibroids, etc. DH and I have tried for over 3 years (unsuccessfully) to have children and right now we are on a much deserved BREAK from it all due to many reasons... mostly health related but also because we just can't afford IVF right now.<br /><br />Hmm... I guess thats it! I'm at work, so I appologize for the shortness of this post... just wanted to get <em>something</em> out there though for all you fellow ICLW'ers! Happy posting!!! :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-36277227984789213632009-06-13T21:21:00.000-07:002009-06-13T21:35:15.069-07:00Still alive!Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been pretty much sleeping/lounging around... a lot. I decided against going back to work this week, especially with that terrible rash and still being in a considerate amount of pain. I think that's the Mirena because its very crampy like pain, very different from the pain I experienced post-op last time, sans Mirena. I've also had a lot of spotting, which I also attribute to the Mirena, argh.<br /><br />My rash is getting better! The combo of Prednisone and Benadryl is finally starting to kick it, although I still have itchy moments throughout the day. At least I can tolerate clothing now... another reason I decided against going to work this week- I didn't think they'd like it if I came back naked, heehee. I've been slowly forcing myself to stay in clothes longer and longer each day as Monday is the BIG day when I absolutely <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to go back. :(<br /><br />My insicions are healing nicely. Still a bit tender, but thats normal. My bellybutton is the stubborn one though, still hurts like the dickens! Waist bands are murder, and while I protect it with gauze, it is still quite bothersome. Today was the first day it hasn't bled after wearing clothes, so I guess thats a good thing!<br /><br />Energy wise I'm starting to feel a lot better. I'm going to have a hard time giving up my numerous daily naps, but at least I can sleep in late since I don't go in until 12:30PM each day! I know I should expect to still be tired for a few weeks, so I'm not expecting too much from myself this next coming week...<br /><br />That's it I guess. My 6 week postop is on July 15th, entirely too far away for me, but oh well. I'm sure time will start flying by once I start working again.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-16491367556637415482009-06-06T15:27:00.000-07:002009-06-06T18:02:00.444-07:00Still in the darkWarning: Picture of belly button and rash at bottom of post, just in case you don't want to see... careful as you scroll down!<br /><br />So after a few days of using Hydrocortisone cream and seeing no results (in fact, it just kept getting worse!) I spoke to my doc and told him what was going on with my rash. He was really surprised to hear about it because not only had he not used the Dermabond, but he's also switched to a different kind of antiseptic wash that is supposed to be a bit more hypoallergenic, just in case it was that causing the rash. So we still have no idea what is causing this!!! The rash has spread up to my chest, down my thighs, and around my sides towards my back now! I've been walking around/laying practically in the buff for 2 days because I cannot handle anything even touching me, its awful!!! I'm starting a medrol pack (steroids) tonight though and a different kind of topical cream along with it.<br /><br />On the other front, I'm still taking the Nystatin for the thrush and started Diflucan yesterday for my vag yeast infection. Can we just say <span style="font-style: italic;">uncomfortable</span>?!?! I am just so frustrated... I really did think this Lap would be so much easier and faster recovery-wise than my last. I was 1/2 wat contemplating returning to work this week but now I'm not so sure... At least I don't seem to be having any problems with the Mirena (as of yet, knock on wood) other than some slight cramping but nothing major. I'm still soooooooooooo tired though, but last night was the first night I slept more than 2-3 hours! (Pretty sure it was due to the Phenegran I took right before bedtime) so that made me happy. I guess I'll just have to take it a day at a time and see how it goes.<br /><br />Blah blah blah blah<br />blah blah blah<br />blah blah<br />blah<br /><br />(Hopefully that took enough space to keep the picture out of the first screen!)<br /><br />Here is a picture of my rash for those that want to see: at least my incisions look better this time around, so we're pretty sure not using the dermabond was a good idea anyway, even if it wasn't the ONLY cause of the rash.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx0n7JhZp3J93OTcGgc6-tY9XzDsGMMRmT0E_kbOeV8CHz6a3cha9uuzRfqfJMfBtKTzlRBPUZoHLxQD8EaPH4yaDqalB8H_DisQ6NdZTkGTj5jyadu0uZrbKNXR8MYocPgpObGXcWPA/s1600-h/100_0666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx0n7JhZp3J93OTcGgc6-tY9XzDsGMMRmT0E_kbOeV8CHz6a3cha9uuzRfqfJMfBtKTzlRBPUZoHLxQD8EaPH4yaDqalB8H_DisQ6NdZTkGTj5jyadu0uZrbKNXR8MYocPgpObGXcWPA/s400/100_0666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344348219166037106" border="0" /></a>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-36591969224934729072009-06-05T04:45:00.000-07:002009-06-05T04:59:54.777-07:00Are you kidding me??!I seriously thought that this Lap would be completely different from my first one, in the sense that we were better prepared and knew how to avoid those bumps in the recovery road that plagued me 2 years ago. Apparently though, my body had a plan to prove us wrong...<br /><br />1) Last time I got oral thrush a few days post-op. This time I got it again... so I'm back on the Nystatin for that, hooray. My biggest qualm with this is the fact that by now I should be enjoying yummy solid meals but instead I'm still stuck drinking soups and eating pudding/jello because it hurts SO bad to chew and swallow!!! ARGH!!<br /><br />2) I've also got another yeast infection (vaginal) like last time...*sigh*<br /><br />and the best one yet:<br /><br />3) Remember how I had that rash from the Dermabond and we discussed other forms of wound closure to avoid that? Well, he used stitches instead (so no adhesive at all) but guess what showed up last night? THE RASH!!! Last time it started small and spread from my inscisions out, this time it just appreared<span style="font-style: italic;"> all over</span> in the span of a day! I was itchy one minute (no rash) and then by nightfall yesterday, there it was... everywhere! I'ts been driving me bonkers and I spent most of last night with a cold washcloth, alternating places on my belly. I'v already started the hydrocortisone cream, but I know thats not going to work b/c it didn't do anything last time either. What am I allergic to?!?! My new theory is Iodine. They went to town on me with that stuff (much more than last time) and I'd been itching a little for days. It's super sticky though, so I've been working on gently scrubbing it off in the shower daily(ouchie!!!) but I guess that wasn't fast/good enough because here I am all itchy and blistery again...<br /><br />I am anxiously awaiting 9am so that I can call my doc and let him know our plan was debunked... *sigh*Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-16800806452254534652009-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:002009-06-04T02:59:25.519-07:00LovelyI'm still just a wee bit too drugged up right now to write a very coherent post, so I'll just have you all go <a href="http://mugglex.blogspot.com/2009/06/since-ill-probably-never-get-to.html"> here</a> for today's update. I'm so silly, I know... but it was fun.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-16657908910186063162009-06-02T02:34:00.000-07:002009-06-02T03:09:29.812-07:00Gas pains = no sleepy :(So here I am, awake and hurting at 4:30am. Just like last time, I cannot lay down because the gas pains are excruciating in that position. Sleeping sitting up is just not very comfortable, and this is my 5th time waking up due to this dilemma. Grrr...<br />I figured I might as well do something to distract myself and maybe sleep will come... eventually! So here's my Lap experience:<br /><br />Bowel prep- So glad that's over! Not fun, but then again could I have expected anything more? lol<br /><br />We arrived at the hospital at 5AM sharp. They got me all prep-ed and then the torture began... waiting... waiting... and waiting some more. About 1 1/2 hours later my Anesthesiologist came in to talk with us and promised me a sedative b/c I was pretty anxious at that point. Then my doc came in and we chitchatted for another little while. Then my nurse arrived with that blessed little syringe full of the good stuff. I kissed Ben, they doped me up and off we went. I saw a little too much of the OR this time, which freaked me out, but then they put on my gas mask and bam, I was out!<br /><br />I woke up to a nurse putting my abdominal binder on (aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh, LOVE that thing!)asking me if I was in pain. YES! She gave me something, brought more warm blankies and then off we went to phase 2 recovery. I had to transfer myself to a recliner (ouch!) and after my vitals were taken, Ben was allowed to come in. Forty-five minutes later I was just one big mess of tears... sooooooo much pain! They had already given me 2 Percocets and an 800mg Ibuprofen, but to no avail. My chest was hurting so bad and the crying wasn't helping so my doc ordered I'd be given some Morphine. Oddly enough that just barely took the edge off. I was still shaking and bawling and the nurse felt awful because I wasn't getting any relief/ Paged my doc again and this time they gave me 1/2 a dose of Demerol. THAT did the trick! Once the pain was under control, they got me some apple juice and saltine crackers, yuuuuum! It felt really good to eat and sip, that totally helped! Right before they discharged me (early afternoon) they gave me the other 1/2 dose of Demerol for the ride home. We received instructions on how to care for and remove my catheter at home, Ben was given all my post-op in instructions and Rx's and that was it! I don't really remember much about the ride home due to the Demerol, but at least it wasn't super painful, right? :)<br /><br />So this is what they found: Endo was back (duh) though not nearly as bad as last time in 2007. Lots of adhesions and endometriomas. My right ovary (the one that gives me the most grief) was stuck to my abdominal wall, so he freed that and wrapped it in that filmy stuff. I had a fibroid on the outside of my uterus removed, as well as a polyp on the inside. He cleared out my tubes, did a D&C and then inserted the Mirena. The surgery itself took about 1 1/2 hours, so not too bad. I got some pictures to take home with me, thats always fun!<br /><br />The pain has been manageable with the Percocet and Ibuprofen, though I take them right on time b/c if I wait too long that pain gets insane and then I'm stuck writhing around for 45 minutes while the pills kick in. This time I have 3 incisions instead of 4. Doc said the incisions are closed with sutures but I have yet to see them since they put big bandages over them. I can take them off in the shower today if I want and then replace them with fresh/clean/dry ones. The catheter comes out today was well which should also improve my comfort level.<br /><br />I go back in 6 weeks for my post-op and to check the Mirena. This time around seems to be a bit easier than last, so I'm hoping the recovery will go smoother. Ben is taking excellent care of me, I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful hubby!<br /><br />Ok, pain is creeping back up... I better go and get some rest. More updates to come!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-12270233229363439652009-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:54:55.560-07:00It's over, phew!I survived! I'm home now. Lots of pain.. lots and lots of pain. Thank goodness for morphine and demerol, I thought I was going to die when I woke up. More details to come when I'm feeling a little better. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-19674060025972613202009-05-31T10:08:00.000-07:002009-05-31T10:11:27.351-07:00WOOHOO!!!FEVER IS G-O-N-E!!!! Woooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooo!!! :) Thanks everyone for all the support! Boy am I relieved!!! Surgery here I come!!! (Now onto the yucky bowel prep... *sigh* heehee) I'll have Ben come on here tomorrow and update if I'm not feeling up to it. Thanks again!!! :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-69154258435308009762009-05-30T07:03:00.000-07:002009-05-30T07:07:17.546-07:00Still burningWoke up feeling not so great again... still have a fever. Called in sick again as a last ditch effort to hopefully help my body heal by tomorrow. I'm starting to get really worried now... Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, I'll keep updating. Now I'm off to the couch and my gatorade.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-72329495000265072412009-05-29T11:36:00.000-07:002009-05-29T11:50:49.562-07:00Early bowel prep from H*LL!Last night I went to bed feeling cruddy. My head was killing me and I just felt "icky" (yes, I know, such a medically accurate term!) so I took some 8-hour Tylenols and went to bed. I woke up at 5AM shivering and feeling even worse. I had a fever and nausea/diarrhea as well... great. When my pre-op nurse called this morning to get everything rolling I told her about this and she told me I needed to contact my doc ASAP because this might cause my surgery to be canceled. WHAT?!?! I guess I should have known, but I wasn't thinking too far ahead at that point. So I called and left a message with his nurse and he called me back after a while to find out more about what was going on. <br /><br />He suspects its just a viral stomach bug but said that we'll have to monitor how I'm feeling over the weekend before we can safely proceed with the Lap. I am to keep taking my temps and if I have even a smidge of a fever still on Sunday, the surgery is off. Noooooooooooooooooo!!! :( My instructions for now are to stay home, rest/sleep as much as I can, and stay well hydrated. On the upside, he said this will make my bowel prep on Sunday easier since there won't hardly be anything left in me to clean out... hooray... :/<br /><br />So yeah... nothing left to do but watch and wait. I'm stocked up on Sprite and Gatorade and will spend the rest of the day on the couch watching movies/sleeping I suppose. My head is finally starting to feel a little better, thank goodness and my fever seems to be coming down a smidge as I no longer feel like my eyeballs are boiling in their sockets. I hope and pray this blows over by Sunday because I will be crushed if I can't get this Lap over with on Monday... these past 6 weeks have been hell and the only thing that kept me going was my countdown to this day... *sigh*Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-31239376391775519592009-05-22T17:52:00.000-07:002009-05-22T17:57:51.733-07:00HURRY UP!June 1st cannot come quick enough... I have been sick as a dog this past week. The pain and nausea is just getting rifreakindiculous! Add migraines to the mix today and I think I've probably seen more of the toilet's insides this week then ever before. Zofran isn't cutting it 100% of the time anymore... what?!?! That was like my miracle drug when I had to give up on Phenegran. NOT cool.<br /><br />*sigh* 10 more days to go...Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-27934538720049221742009-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:002009-05-31T15:53:07.262-07:00Why I love my doctorHe's just the greatest! I went in today for my annual/pre-op and as those are usually pretty painful for us Endo sistas, I was really apprehensive... He worked his super quick magic and it was done before I could even get all worked up and ready for the pain! That man is a genius, seriously. My hero.<br /><br />So I got all the pre-op questions out and we came to a nice little agreement: 1) No surgical glue!!! After my rash last time, NO WAY. Phew! 2) He'll leave the catheter in for me this time (yes, per my request) since I had such a horrible experience last time with not being able to pee for HOURS and it hurt soooooooo bad! He may even let me come home with it and just teach me how to take it out myself so that I don't end up having to go back in to get one placed if I had problems at home. 3) He's going to work his magic with the hospital red-tape and code my Mirena insertion a different way so that they let him place it during the surgery. (It's a Catholic hospital and they don't allow birth control) Thankfully, Mirena is used for stuff other than BC (like bleeding and pain) so he thinks there should be no problem.<br /><br />I got my scripts for the cytotec (to dialate my cervix since he'll be doing a hysteroscope, HSG, and D&C) and my little behind-the-ear-nausea patch that I loved so much last time! So yup, I'm all set! June 1st is the big day, so less than a month to go. I'd been dreading today, but I'm all sorts of optomistic right now, after that visit. My nurses were just great and so very comforting. If I ever move away from here, I'm gonna have to pack him and his staff all up in a suitcase and take them with me! :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-6276414000959964482009-04-22T16:30:00.001-07:002009-04-22T16:32:24.100-07:00T minus 40......Days that is. My Lap has been scheduled for June 1st @ 7AM. Not so much looking forward to it, especially since I've been in the ER twice in the past 2 weeks (for completely non Endo related incidents) and I'm sick of the hospital. Oh wells... c'est la vie!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6339836110785322580.post-20560789626216599352009-04-09T16:30:00.001-07:002009-04-09T16:40:48.569-07:00Lap#2, here I come :(Here I am 4 days into my mega-pain incident and I just had a nice little conversation with my doc. Looks like Lap#2 is in the cards for me. The pain has been increasing for the past 2 months, what with the "sitting-on-a-knife" feeling, then my bladder problems, horrible super clotty/excrutiating AF's and now this stupid ovary... *sigh* Is it psycho of me to actually be <span style="font-style: italic;">relieved</span> that this surgery is coming? I'm just so at a loss as to what else to do. I can't take the pain meds that work b/c they knock me out but I can't function without them either because the pain is so great it makes me throw up throughout the day... It's not good when you look upon surgery as a joyful event, but what can I say... what else is there to do?!?!<br />I've been in such a bad state the past few days that I seriously started considering getting rid of that ovary... Thank goodness my doctor was able to talk some sense into me and remind me of our hopes and dreams of children some day. He's gonna check it out and do as much repair work as possible (with that wrap stuff that prevents further adhesion build up) and drill the cysts out, etc. but is very weary of just cutting it out. We're gonna talk more about that at my appt in a few weeks for my pre-op etc. I have to get with my boss tomorrow to solidify a date but right now we're thinking end of May/beg of June.<br />He's calling me in some Zofran, Tramadol, and more Ibuprofen 800mg. I'm gonna keep up with my Yoga, relaxation breathing, and health(ier) eating in hopes to make it through these next few weeks as sane as possible.<br />Have I mentioned how much I HATE Endo?!?!? :(Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06157457008531140248noreply@blogger.com2