Finding the Right Endometriosis Care After Years of Severe Symptoms
Kirkland resident Hannah had been living with her endometriosis symptoms for nearly 10 years. Then she finally found Rohan Hattiangadi, MD, FACOG, endometriosis surgeon at EvergreenHealth Women's Specialty Care, Gynecology.
Since her early 20s, Hannah was living with symptoms from endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and can involve other organs.
She experienced very painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain and even felt nauseated and dizzy due to her condition. While her symptoms are not uncommon for someone living with endometriosis, they impacted her daily life and her mood.
Before coming to EvergreenHealth, Hannah had already undergone one surgery in 2015; but when her symptoms persisted, her doctors attempted to manage them with medications and contraception.
"It was like putting a Band-Aid, and eventually you need to treat the wound," Hannah said. "That's why I was so happy when I went to see Dr. Hattiangadi. He was very thorough, and his entire team was extremely supportive."
When Hannah came to EvergreenHealth and began seeing Dr. Hattiangadi towards the end of 2021, he performed an extensive investigation of her medical history. He reviewed the notes from her prior surgery, discovering that her previous surgeon had not performed an excision of endometriosis, leaving behind all the disease that continued to cause her pain and affect her organs, including her appendix. At this point, Hannah was experiencing almost daily symptoms, to the point where she was too ill to be able to live her life the way that she wanted to.
To better understand the sources of her pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for Hannah, Dr. Hattiangadi performed a physical examination, pelvic ultrasound, and MRI. He identified multiple sources of pain, including endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic constipation from irritable bowel syndrome.
"Unlike many of my previous doctors, Dr. Hattiangadi was up front about doing everything he could to help me get back to a normal life. From the physical exam to helping with gastro-intestinal issues I was experiencing as a result of the endometriosis, everything," Hannah said.
Through minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Hattiangadi performed a laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, during which he removed multiple areas of endometriosis responsible for Hannah's chronic pain, including the appendix, which had become impacted by her disease. Following the successful surgery, Hannah's recovery was difficult because of the amount of endometriosis that had to be removed. However, Hannah said her discomfort was greatly alleviated by the level of support she experienced from Dr. Hattiangadi and his team.
"If I needed anything, they would help me with everything," Hannah said. "The first night, when I couldn't use the bathroom due to pain, I called and they made sure I was ok. Dr. Hattiangadi himself then called me the next morning to make sure I was doing OK. The care team feels like a group of friends now."
Hannah says her symptoms have now nearly vanished. Her menses are not as painful as they were before, and she no longer feels nauseated or dizzy, which has made a huge impact on her mood and daily life.
"I don't have to worry about my symptoms when I travel or go out with friends anymore. I can cook or go to the gym to lift weights without any pain or nausea," Hannah said. "I've been able to feel better inside and out because of Dr. Hattiangadi."
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