From diagnosis to recovery: An endometriosis surgery Q&A
- Esther Tran-Le
- Mar 30
- 5 min read
MyAdvo member Cait Reeves shares her story
Endometriosis or endo for short is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause symptoms including chronic pain, heavy bleeding, severe cramps, and difficulty getting pregnant to name just a few. Diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis often takes years of trial and error and includes a mix of surgical and lifestyle interventions despite the fact that it affects more than 1 in 10 women and people AFAB.
MyAdvo sat down with MyAdvo member Cait Reeves who — now two surgeries, countless doctor visits, and over 15 years into her journey — shares some lessons she’s learned about how to approach endometriosis surgery, why building a holistic care team matters, and the importance of finding an endo support group like MyAdvo to connect with others who understand what you’re going though.
MyAdvo: What were your endometriosis symptoms like before getting diagnosed with endometriosis? Tell us about the start of your journey.
Cait Reeves: I got my first period in eighth grade, and the pain was excruciating right from the start. My periods lasted as long as two weeks with heavy bleeding that would often soak through to my sheets and clothes. The pain was so unbearable, I frequently missed school or ended up in the nurse’s office. When I first saw an OB/GYN at 15, my doctor offered birth control as a solution but didn’t say anything about the root cause of my symptoms. While the pill helped regulate my cycle, I still experienced heavy bleeding, clotting, and some pretty-bad side effects. There were years of trial and error to find a birth control pill to help me the most.
By sophomore year of college, my pain became debilitating. This is when my OB/GYN first mentioned endometriosis — and also the first time I felt dismissed about it. She said there was no way to confirm the diagnosis without surgery, which she didn’t want to put me through. Instead, she prescribed painkillers and told me to take my birth control continuously so I skipped my period. Over time, the pain continued to get worse. It felt like barbed wire was carving out my insides. Pain radiated down my legs. It wasn’t until I saw a specialist, Dr. Anthony Luciano, that I was taken seriously and considered a candidate for laparoscopic endometriosis surgery.
The pain was so unbearable, I frequently missed school or ended up in the nurse’s office
MyAdvo: Is laparoscopic surgery the only way to diagnose endometriosis? What are your thoughts about that?
Cait Reeves: Yes, technically surgery for endometriosis is the only way to confirm the diagnosis, but many doctors today will at least acknowledge the likelihood that you have it based on symptoms alone. In my experience, the key is to be assertive about your pain. Unfortunately, many OB/GYNs hesitate to recommend surgery early on. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it’s essential to find a specialist who is confident in treating it. I spent years seeing doctors who dismissed my pain, which prolonged my suffering.
MyAdvo: How did you choose your endometriosis specialist?
Cait Reeves: I looked for a doctor whose practice focused on complex gynecologic conditions. Endometriosis can affect various reproductive organs, so having a specialist who understands these complexities is essential. Endometriosis often coexists with other conditions like PCOS, polyps, and adenomyosis, so having a provider who understands multiple conditions is valuable. I researched their training, years in practice, hospital affiliations, and publications. I also sought doctors who prioritized staying current with new treatments and surgical techniques.
My biggest advice? If a doctor has a one-size-fits-all approach or focuses only on hormone management, keep looking. I’ve had the most success with specialists like Dr. Elizabeth Poynor who integrate holistic and personalized techniques.
MyAdvo: What about other specialists who support your efforts to treat endometriosis?
Cait Reeves: Since endometriosis is a chronic condition, lifestyle and nutrition make a world of difference for treating endo symptomsI’ve learned that I need a team of specialists to help manage my endometriosis and recommend anyone navigating life with endo consider the same. I rely on a surgeon/gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, acupuncturist, functional practitioner, and pelvic physical therapist.
MyAdvo: What was your experience with endometriosis surgery and recovery for severe endometriosis?
Cait Reeves: I’ve undergone two excision surgeries — both were different, which is typical. The first was laparoscopic excision surgery, which is what confirmed my endometriosis diagnosis after a seven-year journey! The procedure involved three small incisions — one through my belly button and two near my groin. Endometriosis was excised from my ovaries and bladder; polyps and a septum were removed from my uterus. My doctor also placed a Mirena IUD to help manage regrowth. Aside from adjusting from the IUD, recovery was speedy with minimal bruising from the incisions.
My second surgery three years later was more complex. This time, robotic excision surgery found that endometriosis had spread to my ureters (which connects kidneys and bladder) and progressed from Stage 2 to Stage 3. Recovery took longer, and I faced unexpected challenges, including complications from COVID-19. Despite this, I don’t regret having surgery — it was the turning point in managing my symptoms.
MyAdvo: What advice would you give to women preparing for surgery?
Cait Reeves:
Give yourself enough time to heal. I recommend leaving more time than you think, so you don’t have to stress. Listen to your body.
Have a post-op support system. You may need help with daily tasks, chores, and getting around while you heal.
Ask your doctor detailed questions. Ensure you understand the surgical plan, potential risks, and post-op care.
Plan for symptom management post-surgery, including strategies to manage pain symptoms. Since there is no cure for endometriosis, having a long-term care plan is crucial.
Join an endo support group. Connect with others and get help navigating post-surgery recovery and symptom management.
MyAdvo: What does life look like post-surgery?
Cait Reeves: For the first time in years, I feel hopeful! After my second surgery, I worked with my doctors on a plan to prevent regrowth, including dietary and lifestyle changes and other holistic treatments. I discovered that autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s and Celiac disease often coexist with endometriosis, so reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle has been life-changing.
I’ve also explored root causes, like environmental toxins and gut health, that could be contributing to my condition. I learned that mold exposure and other genetic factors might play a role in my hormonal imbalances. It’s been super interesting, and addressing these factors head-on has given me a sense of control over my health.
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis is a complex condition with no one-size-fits-all solution. Endometriosis surgery, particularly laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Finding a knowledgeable specialist, advocating for your health, and exploring both medical and holistic treatments can make all the difference.
If you're navigating your own endometriosis journey, you're not alone. Join the MyAdvo community to connect with women like Cait who’ve been there — and are here to help.
Interested in learning more? Sign up for our newsletter and explore additional resources, including our Endo 101 guide, on treatment for endometriosis at hellomyadvo.com.
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