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P h i l l y   E x p a t r i a t e






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I am an East Coast expatriate hiding out in the Midwest...

I am an urban gal living in the suburbs and occasionally hiding in the country

I am a yoga practitioner, fitness enthusiast, believer in the mind-body-spirit connection...

I am a mid-life "revert" to the Roman Catholic faith in which I was raised and which has become an enormous source of support, encouragement, inspiration, and joy in my life...

I am a mom, sister, daughter, and wife...

I am an explorer; adventurous and curious about the world and people around me...

I am educated in the formal sense but I gain insight through everyday living...

I created this blog at a time of great fear and apprehension in my life. I chose to sustain it because of the discoveries about myself and the world around me that it has revealed.



What you can expect to find here:
  • the documentation of a love-hate relationship with the greater Philadelphia area
  • reminiscing about the good-ole-days (the 80's!)
  • complaints about my various ailments and injuries, both real and imagined
  • pictures and stories of gardening, decorating, shopping, sewing
  • my love of irony
  • links to kooky news stories
  • way too much scatological musing for sane people


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    Tuesday, November 11, 2008
    Taking my lumps

    Yesterday I had a procedure at my gyne office that finally allowed my doctor and me to know the source of my various symptoms - a polyp and submucosal fibroid.

    The type of fibroid I have is (possibly) removeable via myomectomy with hysteroscope - a procedure my Dr. recommends - HOWEVER, he noted that it is risky if done by a surgeon who does not routinely perform this operation. He referred me to a specialst at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago; my appointment for consultation is Dec. 2.

    After coming home to research this issue, I am now even more uncertain WHY I am going to go with this riskier, with less *guaranteed* outcome procedure, at a very inconvenient location in the city, instead of a full (supracervical) hysterectomy done by a surgeon I know at my excellent hometown hospital. I do understand that the myomectomy is outpatient and supposedly has shorter recovery time. But I really do not like the idea that fibroids can keep recurring even though the one that was bugging you was removed.

    From what I read the #1 reason for myomectomy is to preserve fertility. Has no one listened to me, that I have less-than-zero desire to have any more kids? I am going to be forty in a few months, fer chrissakes! I want a guarantee - no more troublesome uterine/ovarian problems, no worry about birth control. No having an operation and then needing another one in a few years. As far as I am concerned, my instinct is: lets just clean the clock and get it over with.

    I will wait it out until the Dec 2nd appointment, and I will try to have an open mind as I speak to the Downtown Doctor. But now, by delaying this, I will have to start over with my insurance with my $300 deductible and portion paid for the year.

    UPDATE:
    Now that I have thought about it for a few days, I am wondering if I should just put off any/all surgeries for some time...my symptoms are troublesome, and sometimes worrisome,  but not life-threatening. Its a way bigger decision than I can deal with right now.My husband has feelings about this topic that complicate my decision-making. In the end, though, I have to live with this body of mine and with whatever decision I make.

    Posted at 07:29 am by brandy101

    Michelle
    November 11, 2008   11:58 PM PST
     
    I am sure the doctor is taking the conservative approach because he thinks it is the best approach and what you would want - but that said - make sure - as I know you will to be loud and clear and repetitive if necessary about what YOU want.

    I am glad you know what is going on. Take care of yourself.
    AbbyNormal
    November 11, 2008   03:08 PM PST
     
    Does your gyne even offer up the option of the full-blown hysterectomy? Discuss pros and cons? Whatever you decide, I hope it all goes smoothly.
    beej
    November 11, 2008   08:52 AM PST
     
    Decisions, decisions. I think you're right about going full hysterectomy and lessening your chances at two surgeries. But that's just my opinion as it is obviously not my body. I will never in a zillion years understand why, when my doctor asked me if I wanted my tubes tied after my second child, I answered, "NO!" WHAT WAS I THINKING? I knew even THEN that I was done with having kids. It was temporary insanity I suppose.

    I hope you're at least FEELING better.
     

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