Physical Therapy, Continued
Posted on Mon October 12, 2009 in Endometriosis
Tags: physical therapy
Views: 177
Hello from Singapore! I'm here for work for just a few days. I was in
Australia a few days ago for just under a week. I worked there, as well, but my
husband joined me and we were able to visit some dear friends and have some
holiday time, too.
Two months ago, I was terrified I wouldn't be
able to make this trip. The pain in my abdomen and pelvic region was coming
back, and I was so depressed that maybe I was just going to have endo pain most
of the time now. I went to see Dr. Nath, who actually upset me by telling me
that the pain I was feeling wasn't endo pain. That is, she said that the pain
started with endo, but then my body couldn't shake the pain off even when it was
"fixed."
I was so angry and so scared that she was
right. Because if she was right, how were we ever going to make it go away?
Well, she suggested physical therapy, which I laughed about and decided to try
anyway. (Seriously? Physical therapy for endo pain? How ridiculous.)
But looking back on that appointment, I realize what a great doctor she
really is. She could have tried more surgery for me, including a hysterectomy.
But she knew that tissue growth during Lupron treatment was unlikely. She also
knew, I assume, that I wasn't going to be happy with what she said. But she
told me, and she waited while I cried, and then she gave me the information on
where to get the therapy. She also dropped the extra hormone I was on, and
ordered a blood test to make sure the Lupron was working. She had a hunch what
was going on, but still tested to make sure she was right.
I've
only been the PT three times, and I've missed a couple of weeks because of this
trip. But in those three times, I've seen a marked improvement. Joan, my
therapist, focuses on my lymphatic system. If the lymphatic system doesn't
drain properly, then the area with lymph build-up can feel a lot of pain or
stress or bloating. Think about what your ankles might look like after a very
long flight. She has helped get my lymphatic system flowing better through my
abdomen and pelvis, and the pain I feel is nearly gone. I mostly feel it now
when I am really tired. And even then, if I can lay down and apply some gentle
pressure to my belly, I can often massage it away myself.
Massage
it away myself. Wow, that's something I'd never thought I would be able to do
for endo pain. But Dr. Nath was right. This wasn't true endo pain. This was
residual pain from the stress in that area, but it wasn't tissue growth. If it
were tissue growth, Dr. Nath would have approached it from a much different
angle. I know that now, and I completely trust her, because she had to tell me
something she knew I wasn't going to like. She told me professionally, with
empathy, but made me clear on what was going on.
I have more
sessions of PT when I get home, and I'm glad. I'm also thrilled that I could
take this trip and enjoy it as much as I have. And look at that, I've learned a
little lesson about trusting a good doctor.
About me
34 / Female
Member since Jul 2009
Profile Views: 681
Journal Views: 4115
About Me: I spent five months in daily pain before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis. I understand the frustration of chasing a diagnosis, and the hopelessness that comes with daily pain. I'm still fighting the endo, as it has no cure (YET!) and I'm trying to share information as I get through treatment.
Location: Mountain View, CA
Interests: Reading, writing, wine-tasting, spending time with my husband, dog, and friends.
Medical Conditions: Endometriosis, depression, severe food allergies, migraines
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Anita says:
on October 12, 2009 at 04:04 PM
what great news Sandra. I've been rooting for you and hoping that you would get a real solution for your pain. I was watching a show " the doctors" the other day and they spoke a bit about draining the lymphatic system and it was a big debate between doctors but it seems to have helped a lot of people. There are even procedures to do this for your face and neck to reduce headaches. Glad to read about a real life example of this treatment on here. Have fun on the rest of your trip. Aus must have been amazing!
BikersPurpleRose says:
on October 12, 2009 at 04:12 PM
this is wonderful for you and you have a great support system at hand and that is so important. I am so glad to be friends with you btw. I would like very much to hear a little about your trip too!
Anna says:
on October 12, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Whoo Hoo!!! I am glad something is working. You deserve a pain free break from all this. I'm jealous that you are in Australia and Singapore. Make sure you have tons and fun and eat all the cool stuff you can't get at home.
Anita, I saw the same episode on TV. I thought of Sandra the whole time and was hoping it would work! crossing my fingers that it continues to work.
stephwebb98 says:
on October 12, 2009 at 04:19 PM
That's a great update - and very good to hear. Thanks for sharing!