My History and Surgery with Endometriosis

MY HISTORY: In December 2018, I suffered my first episode of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) – a very rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the platelets. Within days of being hospitalized, I had coded stroke and was in intensive care for a week. I was intubated, received blood transfusions, suffered several strokes and my family was told that if I did not respond to immediate treatment (plasmapheresis), I would not make it overnight. I am blessed to have survived.

With TTP, there is no room for excessive, out-of-control bleeding, ever. I had a menstrual cycle for 8 weeks that was not going away even with medication before being hospitalized in December 2018. The bleeding was excessive and complicated my TTP diagnosis. I was put on a high dosage of Provera and eventually, the bleeding subsided.

History has proven that medications to control bleeding with endometriosis are temporary, most definitely in my case. I was finally cleared for surgery in October. The only thing was that, in my case, I was no longer a candidate for just an endo clean-up like I successfully had in 2016 with Dr. Seckin. Given my history of mucinous borderline tumor and now TTP, endometriosis could put me at serious risk for a relapse. I understood that TTP did not make me an ideal surgery candidate but surgery was a must even with my serious and delicate circumstances. My doctors who saved my life in December 2018, my GYN oncologist Dr. Villella, Dr. Seckin, and his team all agreed that a hysterectomy was my best option and I did not doubt their professional opinion for a second. These doctors have always had my best interest at heart. I understood and made peace with the fact that I was not going to bear my own children from the time I was in the hospital fighting to live. Personally, I would never want to risk my own children inheriting my TTP or a daughter suffering from endometriosis.

MY SURGERY: On November 21, 2019, I had my surgery with the dream team, Dr. Seckin and his team with support from my oncologist, Dr. Villella. I had a hysterectomy, appendectomy, and omentectomy. Dr. Seckin and Dr. Golstein excised any endometriosis found so I also got cleaned up. Dr. Seckin and his team’s positive attitude, confidence, and smiles put me in a relaxing state – I was at ease. The surgery was a success! Post-surgery, I was pain-free from endometriosis and spotting so lightly it’s not even worth mentioning. I was able to keep my left ovary to prevent menopause with the caveat that I would need surgery down the road to remove it due to the borderline tumor – I was more than OK with that since I didn’t want to be propelled into menopause. I am healing nicely and recovering as expected. I could not be happier. My incisions are small and look so good!

Dr. Seckin and his team are compassionate and thorough and the fact that they fully understand this disease and how to treat it is encouraging. When you suffer from endometriosis pain, when you can’t figure out why nothing works, before you reach your breaking point, go see Dr. Seckin and his team. They will give you answers to your questions, they will comfort and encourage you, and they will support you. I cannot say enough about these doctors who have given me what I so desperately needed – the quality of life. I know exactly how frantic and frustrating endometriosis can make you, that was me for many years. The Seckin Endometriosis Center has the best of the best surgeons with Dr. Seckin and his team and an amazing staff to support their notable efforts to combat endometriosis. They are affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital – two surgeries later and I am so very pleased with the pre-OP staff here.

After enduring this life-changing event of TTP, I knew exactly who to return to for my endometriosis excessive bleeding, and pain. I am a 41-year-old legal secretary that will go on to live a happy and endometriosis-free life all thanks to Dr. Seckin and Dr. Golstein.

THANK YOU to all at the Seckin Endometriosis Center for your passion and efforts to understand and combat this disease and for your compassion and reassurance to your patients!

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Our endometriosis specialists are dedicated to providing patients with expert care. Whether you have been diagnosed or are looking to find a doctor, they are ready to help.

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