Diagnosis Received, Now What? Kelly’s Journey

This story is one part of an ongoing series where NJ101.5 news reporter and anchorwoman Kelly Waldron chronicles her experiences after being diagnosed with Endometriosis. Follow "Kelly's Journey."

"I am recommending a partial hysterectomy, removal of the ovaries and your uterus.  The cervix can stay in tact."  Upon hearing those words from my doctor, at first, I was numb. I couldn't exactly process what he was saying.  I knew it was a possibility when I went for my MRI.  But, I didn't expect to hear, "You have hemorrhagic cysts in both of your ovaries.  This is indicative of endometriosis.  Any treatment will just be a band-aid.  You'll be banging your head against the wall if you don't address it now.  You will constantly be in need of medical procedures.  Being aggressive is your best option."  I already had laparoscopic surgery three years ago to get rid of a baseball-sized cyst on my right ovary.  The fact that it's back again and now in both ovaries, I know isn't a good thing.  I know the pain that I've had has been real and it's not something I want to live with.  And it's not a death sentence, thank God!   But, I still feel like I'm 25.  I'm in good shape.  I work out.  I eat well.  I've always been healthy.  So, why is this happening?  Why now?

As I started to digest the news, other questions came to my mind.  Why didn't they realize it was endometriosis three years ago when I had the first surgery?  What happens when I lose my ovaries and my uterus?  What's recovery like?  How painful is it?  What will my sex drive be like?  Will I be a hormonal mess?  Obviously, I'll have to take hormones, what's that like?  Of course, there's fear as well.  I've only been in the hospital twice when I delivered my babies.  My other surgical procedure was done in one day and I went home.  I can't stand being put under anesthesia.  It scares me.

It's one thing to decide on your own that you're done having children, but to have the option forever taken away is quite another.  Then,  I thank God again that I was actually able to have my two beautiful children.  Ok, so I tried to have a third and couldn't.  So what!  I was blessed with two.  I get to look at their faces every day and remember how it felt to be pregnant and I actually get to have the experience of motherhood that I know many women who've suffered with endometriosis were not given.  For that, I am blessed.

So, now it's on to a consultation with my surgeon on the 19th.  Ironically, she's the one who was supposed to deliver my daughter seven years ago.  But, I wound up going into labor a day before my scheduled induction.  I remember she was one of my favorites.  I'm grateful for that.