Week 3

As I mentioned in my first post, I am HORRIBLE at keeping up with things. My posts have been lacking and I am determined to post more. However, I see that not many people read this lol. But that's ok, in due time.

So I am at the end of my third week with my recovery process from my surgery and I am feeling much better. I had a bit of a setback last week with a pretty bad asthma attack and some other issues, but I am back on my recovery path. This 100+ degree weather isn't helping my asthma but at least I have it under control.

{How much can a girl go through in a month?! Jeez!}

I had my follow up with my Dr. yesterday and per the usual, I was a nervous wreck beforehand. My Dr. had told me the day after my surgery that one of the treatment options for endo would be the Lupron shot. I did extensive research on this shot and was completely horrified from what I read, so I immediately decided against it. I was afraid that my Dr. would be upset with me not wanting to follow through with his recommendation and already had a speech prepared as to why I was uncomfortable with it, but luckily, he was completely understanding. Made me feel SO much better. We discussed other treatments, such as the birth control pill, other surgeries, etc. I told him about the acupuncture and herbs I had been doing/taking a month prior to the surgery and mentioned how it had helped with the pain. Again, he was very understanding and even said that he welcomed any type of medicine that brought relief to his patients - my anxiety virtually disappeared after he said this.

He decided to let me do a 2 month trial of acupuncture and herbs and see how I feel. If things do not improve, he recommended I go on a low dose birth control pill (which I would ultimately like to avoid). Also, I was informed that the endo was only found on my right ovary and pelvic lining, it had not spread to other organs, very minimal adhesions were found, and that it appeared to be the beginning stages so he classfied it as Stage I (GOOD NEWS!). I was under the impression that it would have been more severe and would be classified as Stage III-IV. My goal is to find a regimen that will allow it to only stay in Stage I and not have it grow or implant elsewhere in my body.

I've read about Endo diets, and to be honest, I'm a bit uncertain on them. For one, I LOVE FOOD. Now, I'm not saying that I pig out and eat anything in sight (i had college for that), but I do not believe that we as human beings have to restrict our bodies from every little single thing that is marked as "bad." I've definitely chenged my diet over the past 9 months, more whole grains, more veggies, less sodium and sugar, LOTS AND LOTS of water, and herbs/supplements. I believe that with proper portion control and good nutritional knowledge, I'll be ok and not be limited to only eating legumes, lettuce, and water :)

That's all for now. I will update sometime {soon} ;)

<3 Steph 

Slowly, but Surely

 It's been almost a week since my last post, here is an update:

I am on my second day of work after beeing off for 2 weeks. I can't even remember the last time I was off for that long, possibly 2007 when I was still in school and not working full time.

Oh, the memories.

Anyway, work is going well thus far. Taking it easy before I have to put in my overtime hours (can't wait for that) and sifting through all the e-mails that everyone and their mother sent me while I was gone. Luckily, Vanessa and Karla did a fabulous job at keeping up with everything so it hasn't been too hectic.

The recovery process is still going. I'm still achy, tender, and in pain, but it's getting better day by day. However, the pain was excrutiating on Sunday, I could barely walk because the pain was so strong. Fortunately, it's gotten better. It scares me to even think about what my insides are going through while they try to recover.

I am also back at my apartment in Chicago and Karla has been taking care of me. She's been a doll at looking out for me. I know my mom and dad were beyond worried to see me go, and I had the worst anxiety once I left their home. There's no place better than being home with mom and dad. One thing I definitely miss are the home cooked meals. Home cooked Mexican meals are the BEST.

My boyfriend's mom has also been super sweet throughout my recovery process. She and I have talked a lot about my condition and she's even sent me information regarding treatment options for the endometriosis. I'm very thankful for having support from so many people in my life. It's hard to have someone understand just how much pain you're in when on the outside you appear to be physically fine.

Oh how looks can be deceiving.

It's almost lunch time and I can't wait to get out and get some sun. I think the surgery, medicine, and being indoors for 2 weeks sucked all the color out of me. So that's something I'll be working on this summer.

Hasta Luego.

<3 Steph





Change of Plans

WELL...

I was expecting to head back to Chicago tonight and return to work tomorrow but looks like that won't be happening. I thought I'd be able to endure a couple of hours of work, but I'm still in some pain and can't really move around all that quickly. So looks like I'll be staying at home with my folks for another 4 days. I swear I feel like a baby sloth. I get up and feel as though I can keep up and move around, but I get tired and can barely walk for than 15 minutes. This whole resting and waiting thing does not go well with me - I HAVE NO PATIENCE - but I know it's what I have to do to properly heal. Waaa. 

On a much sexier note, I finally received the flowers that Karla, Vanessa, and my boss sent me. Only took about a week, but better late than never :) Thank you guys! 

I found myself researching more information on Endo last night, and let's just say that didn't go well. I came across countless horror stories, which freaked me out. I have a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE habit of looking up things that ultimately just end up terrifying me. That's another habit I need to stop. Anyway, I've been trying to keep myself as busy as I can (there's only so much I can do around the house) and have been watching ridiculously trashy reality tv to keep me laughing. If there's one thing I love, it's trashy reality tv.  

I may even bet up the nerve to go to the park and relax and read a little. I find that being outdoors calms my nerves and makes me feel a little better. And at this point, I'll take whatever I can get. The only downside is that I didn't pack any shorts or dresses and I can't really wear tight fitting pants since I'm still a little bloated from the surgery. Major fail on my end. 

I will say this: I cannot wait to get dolled up, hit the beach, and get my body back into shape.

                                          < and maybe have a little vodka>     

 Well, I still have the whole day ahead of me so I might as well try and enjoy it. 

Hasta luego. 

Con mucho amor, 

Steph <3

Le First Post

Look who's bloggin' now! 


I created a Tumblr a couple of months back but didn't keep up with it. It seemed too busy for me for just wanting to write, so I figured I'd give this a shot. I have a HUGE problem with keeping up with anything that I start - I'm hoping this is a starting point to resolve said problem. I'm sure it'll take me a while to get used to this whole blogging thing but I'm willing to try. Counts for something, no?


Anyway, I'll just get to the point of why I wanted to start this:


I had surgery on June 4th, 2012, a diagnostic laparoscopy to be exact. The purpose of the surgery was to figure out why I had been having excruciating pelvic pain for over 9 months. In essence, it was pretty much "exploratory surgery." I was diagnosed with Endometriosis, a possible closed left fallopian tube, and adhesions. My appendix also had to be removed due to the adhesions that had grown on it. After I awoke from the surgery and was told everything, I couldn't fully process everything that had been said to me (probably a combo of meds, anesthesia, and shock). Go figure. 


To make a long story short, I was told I may have difficulties becoming pregnant and may need fertility treatments should I ever choose to have kids (that, too, was overwhelming to hear). I was given the options of certain treatment plans to treat the endometriosis and closed fallopian tube, all which will be further discussed with my doctor at my follow up. 


I've been recovering at my parent's house for over a week now and have had much time to process everything. I've also have had a lot of time to sleep, but I attribute that to the pain meds (talk about knocking you off your ass). While I have been in a tremendous amount of pain and struggle to do everyday tasks (showering, putting on socks/shoes/pants, etc.), I am slowly recovering and feeling better each day. I also feel a lot better knowing what was causing me so much pain. I can't even begin to explain how many specialists I saw over the past 9 months with no direct diagnosis (extremely frustrating). 


It's a little difficult to grasp that even though I was not diagnosed with anything fatal, I will have a chronic, painful disease for a very long time. I plan on managing and treating it as best as I can and can only hope that things will get better. 


 **I personally do not know any other girl who suffers from Endo, but if a girl or girls comes across my blog and reads this, I hope they know they are not alone. I would love to hear from others who are going through the same thing**


Ladies, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take care of your bodies and really pay attention to it when something seems off. Women's health is so important and many girls in their 20s really don't think they have much to worry about, I know I didn't. I despise going to the doctor and legitimately get the worst anxiety right before any appointment, but had I not seeked out an answer these past months, I would have continued in pain...and that's just no fun. 


I chose to keep the surgery from 98% of the people around me only because I didn't know what to expect. I didn't want to worry my friends or family, especially since I was told it was going to be a quick process and that I'd be home the same day. Well, things change. 


I hope to be up and moving around relatively soon (I have no patience) and engaging in all the activities that I have missed out on. I cannot wait to go back to Yoga, run races, pick up kickboxing, etc. You never fully realize how much you use/need your body until you're confined to a couch eating an Oreo McFlurry. 


I wrote more than I intended to, but that's always been a trend with me. I plan to keep this updated on a (somewhat) regular basis. I welcome all followers and hope my friends get a chance to read this as well. 


Hasta luego. 


Con mucho amor, 


Steph