My Endometriosis Surgery

On September 10th, 2021, I had my laparoscopic excision surgery for endometriosis! I wish I could explain how much of a miracle this was, all the way down to the timing… I cry happy tears every time I think about it! And, I did it with one of THE BEST surgeons I could have wished for!!

Pre-Op

I am someone who had never considered that I may have endometriosis until I met with my reproductive endocrinologist (aka fertility specialist), where I was originally scheduled to see his partner. Amazing how some things just work out (#NotByChance)! I am very thankful for him & his own research in endometriosis… I always just thought my issues were “normal”.

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus is present outside the uterus. One in ten women have endometriosis (!?) & with little research being done on it, it is often ignored and/or misdiagnosed. The inflammation often leads to pain & infertility. Some women, like me, do not realize they have endometriosis until they are dealing with infertility.

Although my provider suspected endometriosis, surgery is required to definitively diagnose and treat endometriosis. My surgeon was able to do this laparoscopically (a minimally invasive surgical procedure) to remove any endometriosis (and the inflammation it causes) in order to better my chances of having a viable pregnancy.

Diagnosis & Treatment. The accuracy of diagnosis depends on the skill of the provider. There are very few surgeons who are skilled in the type of excision surgery needed to properly remove endometriosis to achieve long-term relief. Endometriosis can manifest in a variety of ways & you need someone who specializes in it to know exactly what they are looking for. Thank you to the internet & some “friends” from various fertility apps, I was led to an amazing Facebook page that gave me the resources needed to find one of these skilled surgeons. Thankfully, I didn’t have to travel far & found my angel Dr. Smitha Vilasagar in Charlotte, NC! But I would have happily traveled even further in order to see her!

Me with Dr. Vilasagar, shared with her permission.

Surgery. My surgery was very successful & I have recovered better than well! Dr. Vilasagar has a very progressive approach to surgical recovery too & you better believe I will be presenting that advice to my doctors if I am ever in need of future surgeries. The difference in recovery compared to my cholecystectomy (aka my gallbladder removal surgery) 5+ years ago was enormous.

Dr. Vilasagar was able to do my surgery laparoscopically; meaning instead of using a large abdominal incision, she was able to remove my endometriosis via 4 small incisions on my abdomen. Dr. V removed endometriosis throughout my abdomen + bowels, a few paratubal cysts, & a fibroid that was taking up a lot of space (myomectomy)… and she was able to save all my reproductive organs in the process!

Two of the heart bandages she placed over my incisions. <3

A raving review of my surgeon, because she deserves it! Dr. Vilasagar is so SO kind & one of my most favorite humans on the planet! There is no doubt that she cares about all of her patients individually. It’s an amazing feeling being in an incredible surgeon’s hands, knowing she would make all of the best decisions for me while I was asleep in the operating room. I was able to wake up from surgery confidently knowing she 100% did the best job that needed to be done (PLUS the heart bandages she placed over my incisions made it that much better)!

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! …which I understand is weird to say when it involves surgery, but it’s true! I’d happily repeat it all over again tomorrow (with that same incredible team) if I had to!

Do you or someone you know have endometriosis? If you or someone you know are dealing with this terrible disease, or even just think you may be, 1) I am so sorry!! and, 2) I have come across some very valuable resources that have helped me receive the best treatment. I’d be happy to share them with you too! And, if you are looking for a highly skilled gynecologic surgeon, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Vilasagar!

Please never hesitate to email me and/or send me a private message via my social media with any questions, etc! I have learned a lot about this disease & wish to spread awareness.