Happy New Year!
It's been a while since I last wrote, but I haven't forgotten about you all.
In case you're wondering, I had a great Christmas break, the highlights of which were my brother-in-law and his family coming to visit, and taking my dog cross country skiing. Here's a picture of Birdie.
OK, I should be writing about my quest to become the worlds second best endometriosis surgeon (which I will), but my dog's so cute, I couldn't resist.
So, what of the surgery epic? Things are going well. I've been doing more and more cases, and I'm getting faster, which is good because it means less anesthesia time for the patients. I'm still challenged somewhat by the really difficult cases, where everything is stuck to everything, the anatomy is totally skewed, and it's just plain hard. But, some of the tough cases we do are as difficult as any surgery can be, so it stands to reason that those surgeries won't be easy for anyone. My goal is to do as many surgeries as I can with Dr Redwine before he retires so he can coach me through the difficult ones.
One of the things I would like to do is to visit some of the local endometriosis association chapters and give some community talks, so women with endometriosis know what options are available to them. Many women have multiple surgeries by OB/GYNs who don't know how to recognize the subtler forms of endometriosis, and don't know how or have the surgical skills to treat it appropriately, so they have surgeries which don't result in any significant pain relief. I feel compelled to spread the word that endometriosis can be cured, and that most pelvic pain can be improved quite a bit, but unfortunately the number of physicians who can and will help these women no matter what it takes are few and far between. It's so sad to see patients coming to us after 3,4, 6 previous operations that haven't worked. At least they're finally at the place where doctors will both care about them and care for them appropriately. So, if any of you know contacts with community support groups for women with endometriosis or pelvic pain, please forward their contact info to me. I would be greatly indebted to you, and the women who are suffering without hope will be as well. The most important thing people need when they're going through difficult times is hope, and it's just scary how many patients come to us after being told "there's nothing anybody can do for you". No hope, no possiblities, no compassion.
Well, I'm off to change the world, or at least help a few women along the way. Pay it forward, that's my goal. Peace to you in this new year.