what a wonderful website

I am 37 years old and have always had very painful periods. Both of my children were born c-section and I had been cut vertically so....after many years of going to different doctors trying to find some type of relief I finally found one that took my pain seriously. He found a large fibroid and a mass. I had two ultrasounds that could not determine what the mass was and my CA125 came back fine. He suggested a TAH and I agreed. I was very nervous about it but after finding this website and reading virtually everything in it, I knew that I was making the right decision.

When the Dr. opened me up, he did have to cut me from the belly button all the way down to follow my previous scars, but no big deal to me, he said that I had the worst case of endometriosis that he had ever seen and could not imagine how I had lived through the pain for so long. He removed everything, including the ovaries, at my request. The way I looked at it, why leave them in there and possibly face cancer later and another surgery?

I had my surgery on 10/30/02 and I feel wonderful. I no longer have to plan my entire life around my period or worry about having to run home and change my clothes or the pain. I feel free and very much still a woman.

I am so thankful that I found this website and thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences. I had so many questions before and after the surgery and found all the answers. This is a blessing and I send much love to everyone who has been a part of this.

Hi Jennifer

Isn't this the greatest website in the world? I am so grateful for the administrators, hostesses, sisters and all the behind the scenes technical people who make this place special.

By the way, I'm also 37. It still gives me comfort to see others my age (or close) who've had surgery because it's a reminder that none of us are alone.

Life as a certainly is grand.

Hi Jennifer, I'm glad that you finally found a dr who listened to you ( some get so busy that they forget to "hear what we're saying). It sounds like you're really doing well, thanks for sharing with all of us. I love this site too and all the wonderful people here! s