✨Endo: A Very Ordinary Tale with Extreme Consequences✨
PSA, bestie <3
This post may have affiliate links, which means I could earn a lil’ cash money if you decide to snag something I mention (at no extra cost to you, of course!). It helps keep this blog running and my caffeine options fully stocked!! ☕️✨ I only link stuff I genuinely love and would 1000% drop in the group chat.
I'm a month away from life changing surgery where a surgeon will remove my organs and excise the endometriosis that has been binding my organs together.
NO. BIG. DEAL.
📅 The Time Line 📅
I've spent most of my life in chronic pain. My flare ups would take me out for days at a time and I began to wonder how I would survive. Fortunately, I have good benefits with time off but often those hours lingered in single digits.
After years of reporting pain to my doctors with no results, I looked for answers elsewhere.
😵💫 It's crazy to me that I self-diagnosed my ADHD, lipedema, and endometriosis based on women who shared their stories on social media. 😵💫
These women not only taught me about their health experience, but how they managed the emotional rollercoaster that was ahead of me. ✨ My guiding lights ✨
It took a year to get a referral, consultation, MRI, ultrasound, & surgery.
September 2025 – Referral to Obstetrics & Gynecology w/Endo specialist
February 2026 – Initial Consultations
April 2026 – MRI
June 2026 – Follow Up for MRI
August 2026– Ultrasound & Endo Surgery
In June 2026, a specialist officially diagnosed me with Endometriosis after my thorough consult. The specialist confirmed the diagnosis with an MRI with specific endometriosis protocols. (Note: A negative MRI does not mean you can’t have endometriosis. Some endometriosis can't been seen on imaging.)
The MRI Endo protocol is a newer diagnostic tool. Prior to the MRI the only way to confirm diagnosis of endometriosis outside of the patients’ symptoms was exploratory surgery. If you know anything about medical insurance in the United States, you know, insurance won’t likely pay for exploratory surgery. Women pay the price when seeking a diagnosis. Then we pay the price again when insurance doesn’t cover the proper procedures & treatments.
During my follow up, my specialist went over the MRI findings & provided me with my options. I’m managing some of my “BIG” emergency room worthy pain with different medications but I experience daily discomfort, sharp pains, etc. I also have anxiety because I’m worried the medications will stop being effective at some point.
⚕️ My MRI Impression ⚕️
Moderate deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis & tethering of organs.
I opt’ed for robotic laparoscopic excision surgery which will remove the endometriosis, my uterus, possibly my appendix, and untether the adhesions.
After years of searching for answers, opting in for a major surgery doesn’t feel real. I’m having a hard time wrapping my brain around the reality of having answers & hopefully a solution.
In the meantime, I'm doing what I do best - Research & Making Lists
👩⚕️ Preparing for Surgery
I'm a month away from surgery and I'm in surgery prep mode. Thankfully, many women have posted what's been helpful for them. I've compiled a list of things they've recommended.
!Please Share!
〰️
!Please Share! 〰️
🎒Hospital Bag 🎒
Generally, this surgery is outpatient, meaning you'll go home the same day. However, if I'm admitted, I want to have a few comfort items to support me.
Surgery Binder - Surgical Plan notes, contact info for doctor & emergency contact, insurance cards, med log, etc.
Medications - current medication, throat spray, heat patches
Water Bottle (no straw)
Snacks - Electrolytes, peppermint tea, bone broth, gum, mints
Toiletries - Chapstick, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lotion, disposable pads, face moisturizer, mouth wash/wisps
Pillows for card ride home
Extra Clothes - Dressing gown/robe
Comfort Items - abdominal Binder, Eye mask, blankets, ear plugs
Socks - compression & grippy
Slippers/Slides
Technology - Phone Charger Bank, Headphones
Entertainment - ipad, book
🏠 Recovery Cart/Station 🏠
When I get home, I'll want frequently used items close to me wether I'm in bed or on the couch. My recovery cart will have essentials, I can grab with ease.
Toiletries - Chapstick, lotion, Body Wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable pads/underwear, Hibiclens Skin Cleanser, Cleansing Face Wipes
Meds & Med Log - Ginger Tablets, Stool Softener, Gas-X, Miralax, Fiber Supplements
First Aide - Scar Sheets, Magic molecule skin spray, throat spray, gloves, ice packs/perineal ice pad
Water bottle (no straws)
Snacks - Liquid IV, bone broth
Gum/Mint
Charger
Heating pads - weighted neck and shoulder wrap, regular heating pad
Comfort Items - Face Masks, Night gowns
Portable Red Light Therapy
Mobility - Cane
♿ Home Adaptations ♿
I wanted to find some ways to make my home more accessible for recovery.
Wand Showerhead
Shower Stool
Toilet Stool
Bidet & flushable wipes
Mattress Protector
U-shaped Body Pillow
Bed Assist Ladder
Wedge Pillows
🍌 Grocery List 🍌
Post surgery, I'll have someone here to help me recover. I plan to stock my fridge with the essentials.
Soft easy foods with high protein are ⭐⭐⭐
Drinks - Apple Juice, White Cranberry Tea, Peppermint Tea, Electrolytes, Gatorade
Bone Broth
Rice
Toast
Crackers
Oatmeal
Apple Sauce
Chia Seeds
Smoothies
Tofu
Yogurt
Avocado
Mushrooms
Edemame
Banana
Berries
Dates
Chicken
Eggs
Gum/Mints
Dark Chocolate
I will put all my recommendation in my "Endo Surgery List" once I can figure out how to use the Affiliates Program.
Many people asked how they could help! I sent them an Amazon wishlist, Zelle/Venmo links, and requested gift cards from Instacart & Uber Eats.
Next up on the blog - I plan to write up all my questions for my pre-op appointment coming up! I treat these appointments like college exams. I research a ton and put together a worksheet of sorts to take with me to my appointment to ensure I can maximize my minutes with my provider.
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Please share this blog post with all the women in your life!
My story isn’t unique or uncommon!
So many women are suffering in silence & my goal has always been to support women!
Follow my Instagram to track my journey! <3
Disclaimer: Please note, nothing in this post is meant to be medical or financial advice, mk? I’m just sharing what’s worked for me and what I love—not trying to be a doctor or financial planner. You do you, boo—and talk to a pro when you need one. All information provided is for general information only and does not constitute any professional advice. We assume no liability or responsibility for implementation of information contained on this blog. Please talk to a professional. <3
🖤 You’re officially in my Top 8 if you read this far. 🖤
Like, for realzzzs I <3 you. Thanks for being here and supporting my small business!!! Your support means more than you know - whether you shared this post, clicked a link, or giggled at a joke, I’m glad you stopped by! I hope you’ll join me on your next coffee break. <3
<3 <3 <3
HELLLOOOO! Hey! HI! How are ya? I’m Chris! Your friendly neighborhood millennial, neurodivergent, and chronically ill girlie trying to manage life & all its super-duper exciting twists and turns. I hope you enjoy reading & learning with me!.