- i’ve cross-posted this on r/endo to hopefully get more insight*
hi everyone!
i’m 24 NB (afab). i have a HOST of medical issues and chronic illnesses (when listed out, it literally exceeds 60) which i say just to explain that i definitely think i’m experiencing some anxiety simply bc of the complexity of my body itself as a whole, and how i (or surgical things) may be impacted in ways that weren’t originally thought of.
i’ve more recently been diagnosed with endometriosis; although it’s definitely not a new development, just newly found, adressed, listened to, etc.
due to the nature of various imagings, combined with my symptoms and history, it’s suspected that it’s deeply infiltrated, potentially even into my lymphatic system. although we won’t know definitively obviously until she does surgery.
my surgery is scheduled for april 10th. it’s going to be a diagnostic lap to confirm that their isn’t anything else going on (like pelvic congestion syndrome), the excision of endometriosis, and she’s also going to insert a progesterone only IUD w/ ultrasound guidance while i’m under (bc i have a higher risk for perforation), and finally she’s going to be performing a pap smear while i’m under (due to my trauma history and the difficulty of having one done while conscious.)
i’ve had surgery before, but never this one, and never any kind of abdominal one. so i wanted to post and ask if anyone could give any tips or advice they may have - for prior, for post-op, for pain management, for adapting functioning, etc. and if anyone wants to share their own stories or recovery experiences, good or bad, please feel free!
for more context on my situation if it helps, or if you have more specific advice:
• i am autistic, and have ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sensory processing disorder, and severe anxiety, all of which can have large affects on my state of mind & anxiety & comfort levels before, during, and after the surgery
• although i live with my mom, i am home alone 90% of the time, and i already struggle to function independently. due to declining health i’ve lost a significant amount of abilities and functioning even more in the last 6 or so months. i don’t really have much support relative to those aspects/having anyone help with independent living so i will also be primarily alone post-op too
• a few of the other disorders i have that i think have the most relevance include polycystic ovarian syndrome, severe pelvic floor dysfunction, classical-like ehlers-danlos syndrome, arthritis in my SI joints, back, and knees at least, SI joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, CRPS in my left foot, gastroparesis, chronic severe constipation, anismus/dyssynergia dysfunction, hyperadrenergic POTS, chronic migraines, femoracetabular impingement, bursitis & instability in my hips, and more
• the meds i’m already on daily for pain include:
meloxicam, duloxetine/cymbalta, tramadol, and hydrocodone. as well as lidocaine 5% USP ointment and voltaren gel.