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Conquering Endo by Brittany Pierson

Conquering Endo by Brittany Pierson
Conquering Endo by Brittany Pierson
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It can be so scary and defeating living with endometriosis. There is so much pain, grief, loneliness, and shame as you battle it day in and day out. You can feel so lost at times as there are more questions than answers as you try to figure out your next steps and which way you should go.  

Like most women, my journey with endo began long before I knew what it was or what to do about it. Looking back, it first began in high school. Painful periods resulted in me being put on birth control as a way to manage the pain. Though it seemed to help a bit, the painful periods continued and over time the pain became worse. Over the next several years, I resigned myself to the idea that periods were just supposed to be extremely painful and that everyone went through them like I did. 

In 2008 at the age of 24, I married my husband. We both knew we wanted children and were so excited at the idea of becoming parents. In 2010, we began trying for a baby. I assumed it would happen right away for us and had so much hope as we began to plan for our little one. After a year of trying with no success, I went to my gynecologist, and after 2 office visits and a series of blood tests, she diagnosed me as “infertile” and told me that IVF was likely the best option for me.  I felt so overwhelmed, saddened, and defeated as I left her office and cried to my husband in the parking lot. I went into a hole for the next year, avoiding any doctors and leaning on God as we continued to try for a baby.

Over the next year, my endometriosis pain became so severe that I was forced to finally face it. Severe abdominal pain, dizziness, cold sweats, sharp stabbing pains with movement, bloating, and constant pressure were becoming too much to take.  For months I played the “wait and see” game- wearing stretchy pants, loose shirts, stooping over when I walked, holding my breath in fear with the pain of going to the bathroom, reclining my seat while driving, and sitting back down when the stabbing pain would come from standing up too quickly.  I did this for months, until I could no longer take it.  A trip to my doctor led to an ovarian ultrasound revealing two large endometriomas, one in each ovary. I was referred to a local gynecologist who was said to be knowledgeable in treating endometriosis, and after a 10 minute consult, I was scheduled for surgery with him.

The surgery was unsuccessful as the doctor tried to drain the endometriomas and cut out what he could see.  He admitted only after that the endo was more complex than he was prepared for, and that my ovaries, uterus, and rectum were still connected to each other.  After surgery, the pain was just as severe as before, and within 3 months, an ultrasound revealed endometriomas in each ovary yet again. At this time, we had been trying for a baby for 3 years, and only had enough answers to know that endometriosis was present, but was likely too severe and complex to be treated. I felt so depressed, defeated, and broken. 

And then by the grace of God, we met Dr. Yeung.

Dr. Yeung did an ultrasound, thorough consultation, answered all of our questions, and prepared a team of surgeons and a game plan for my surgery. He was so knowledgeable, diligent, and kind, ensuring that all factors were considered and all questions answered.  In October 2013, I had my surgery with Dr. Yeung. The surgery revealed Stage IV endometriosis, and using a specialized laser method for optimal excision, he removed the endometriomas, all visible signs of endometriosis, and was able to safely detach my ovaries, uterus, and rectum from one another while doing so. He additionally applied GoreTex (a material that prevents adhesions) to my ovaries while they healed from the surgery. The surgery was a great success, and for the first time in years I had hope. I no longer felt broken, and my body felt like mine again, healthy and whole. 

Dr. Yeung introduced us to an approach to restorative fertility - also called NaProTechnology(R) - and a system of fertility awareness with the Creighton Method FertilityCare System(R). We were set up with a NaPro nurse who taught us how to use the system and chart cycles, and Dr. Yeung met with us in continued follow up to review charts with the goal of getting to the root of the infertility. He uncovered the problems causing the infertility and helped us (through hCG injections, medication, and timing) to achieve optimal fertility.  

In April 2015, after 5 years of trying, and 18 months after my surgery with Dr. Yeung, we found out that we were pregnant with our son. Dr. Yeung continued to assist us by reviewing NaPro charts and consulting with us over the next few years, and with his help and God’s goodness, in July 2017 we became pregnant with our daughter (after only 6 months of trying). We were amazed to be parents to these two miracles. Then in February 2019 we found out we were pregnant again. This time, without the months of waiting and trying (what a surprise blessing he was)! If someone would have told me 7 years ago, before that surgery and first meeting with Dr. Yeung, that I would be the mother of three, pain free, with no evident signs of endometriosis, I’m not sure that I would have believed them. But I thank God every day that he led me on the journey that He did.

I am beyond thankful that we met Dr. Yeung - as he walked beside us on this journey, helped give us the gift of children, and has brought me to a place where endo no longer defines me.

Choosing Dr. Yeung as my endo specialist and surgeon, choosing to chart my fertility and a restorative fertility approach without IVF, and trusting in God were the best decisions we could have ever made. No matter where you are on your endo journey, never lose hope. Your story is not finished, you are not broken, and the best is yet to come.

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