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.”

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I met with the surgeon and I'm feeling much better about everything.  We have all decided that the best option for me and my case is to have the surgery to remove the uterus and my right ovary.

She does not want me to go into menopause at this point which would happen if both ovaries were removed.  There are two cysts in my right ovary and one cyst in my left.  She does not believe the cysts are causing me the pain.  She believes it's the endometriosis.  Of course, the only way to see if it is endometriosis for sure is to go in and look.  But, because of the type of cysts I have, they are indicative of endometriosis and she is not expecting any surprises.

She explained that she has done many surgeries like this only to discover that it wasn't endometriosis at all.  But, the patients were still feeling the extreme pain and all the symptoms, so it ultimately didn't hurt them to have the surgery.  What it ultimately comes down to is quality of life.

My symptoms are not pretend.  In fact, I got my period over the weekend.  I was doubled over with pain on my way to pick up my daughter from dance school.  I had to pop three or four ibuprofen and take the pain until it kicked in.  I have been extremely uncomfortable ever since.  When I met with the doctor, I was ready to just drive myself to the hospital and get it done right then.  The pain is not only in my ovary.  It is now radiating across my stomach in the form of extreme gas pains and a horrible bloated feeling.  It is effecting my mood and it's keeping me from wanting to do things and go places which is, in fact, effecting my quality of life.

When it comes to the procedure itself, she is going to use the robot and attempt to remove everything laparoscopically.  If that can be done, it would mean I'd come home the same day of the procedure and I would have a 2-4 week recovery period.  If she has to cut my abdomen to get everything out, then I will stay in the hospital for a few days and the recovery will be longer.  She will not know what she'll be faced with until she goes in.

Now, I'm waiting to be scheduled and I am getting more questions together.  Of course, the one ovary that has a cyst will be remaining in tact.  What are the chances of that getting worse and causing more problems down the road?  She said the ovary will take over without the other one there and will generate the hormones.  But, will it generate enough hormones? Those are just a few questions.  I'm sure there will be more before my next visit with her pre-surgery.

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