Pelvic Pain Could Be Endometriosis BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when the endometrial tissue, (the lining inside of the uterus), grows and attaches itself in different places outside of the uterus. It impacts one in 10 women in the United States, and often goes undiagnosed for years. That is what happened to Chelsea. It started when Chelsea began experiencing severe pain in her lower abdomen. The pain progressively got worse and became constant. She describes it as the worst pain she had ever had. Chelsea wasn’t sure what could be causing it, so she made an appointment with her primary care physician. Her doctor ran a battery of tests, including blood and G.I. tests, and even an MRI — but still, there was no answer. Chelsea felt confused and discouraged. As the years went by, and after multiple doctor visits, Chelsea was unable to get a true diagnosis, and she was still in severe pain. She decided to make yet another doctor’s appointment, this time with a different OB/ GYN. During the visit, Chelsea explained what she had been going through, and how she felt no one believed how bad her pain was. Her new doctor not only believed her, but immediately said it sounded like endometriosis. The doctor explained the only way to confirm the diagnosis was through surgery. Chelsea agreed, anxious to find an answer and hopefully alleviate the pain. During the surgery, her doctor discovered the right side of Chelsea’s pelvis was clear, however, her left side contained Stage 4 endometriosis — the most severe stage. She also found that Chelsea’s left ovary had attached to part of her intestines. The endometriosis was treated, the ovary was freed from its attachment, and a full sweep was done to make sure all else was clear. Five years later, Chelsea still feels great, and has had no reoccurring pain. She credits her doctor’s expertise and for believing her when no one else did. Chelsea is grateful she didn’t give up, and that she discussed her symptoms with her doctor. While some women have no symptoms, some may suffer a little discomfort, and others may experience extreme, debilitating effects. It’s important to discuss your symptoms with your OB/GYN to get the help needed. There’s no need to suffer in silence.
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
AROUND CANTON | March 2021
27
