Ana’s Struggle with Undiagnosed Endometriosis
Suffering from heavy bleeding and painful periods throughout her 20s, it’s difficult for Ana Arana to remember a life without constant pain.
By the time she hit 30, Ana’s condition had become intolerable. Severe pain not only made her bedridden while she had her period, but Ana also suffered both the week prior and the week after. She tried eating healthy foods that reduced inflammation, but nothing worked. She finally found relief at St. Joseph’s Health, first from Dr. Ali Ghomi, a urogynecologist, and then from pelvic floor physical therapy.
How St. Joseph’s Health Diagnosed Ana’s Condition
After analyzing the results of her MRI and ultrasound scans, Dr. Ghomi diagnosed Ana with endometriosis, a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus also grows in other places such as on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or bladder. The tissue, called endometriosis implants, causes inflammation and bleeds during a person’s period. Dr. Ghomi told Ana that surgery was the only way to effectively treat the condition, and the only thing that would bring her relief.
Through the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Center at St. Joseph’s Health, Dr. Ghomi uses minimally invasive techniques to remove the endometrial growth and scar tissue. These techniques rely on very small incisions, which result in faster recovery time and less pain.
“When he said I needed surgery, I was relieved that there was an answer for something I knew was wrong for years,” Ana said. “I was shocked that it was surgery, but it confirmed that what I was feeling was abnormal and needed fixing. I was scared, but also excited to finally have an answer.”
Once the surgery began, Dr. Ghomi discovered that Ana’s disease was considered Stage 4, the most severe form of the condition. The endometriosis had led to adhesions, or thick bands of scar tissue, which were pervasive throughout her pelvic region.
“I expected Ana’s condition to be advanced, but it wasn’t until I performed the surgery that we saw how severe it was,” Dr. Ghomi said. “She came through the surgery well, though, and has been working hard to make a complete recovery.”
Life After Treatment: Ana’s Ongoing Recovery and Relief
Ana credits her ongoing successful recovery not only to her surgery but to the pelvic floor therapy she’s been participating in for several months. Tanvi Maharaja, a pelvic floor physical therapist at St. Joseph’s Health, has been vital in helping Ana regain her strength and continue to diminish her pain.
“My pelvic floor therapy is an essential part of my recovery,” Ana said. “Tanvi is so knowledgeable – without my pelvic floor therapy my recovery would be so different. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
Based on where Ana is still experiencing lingering pain, Tanvi provides Ana with specific exercises to strengthen the appropriate muscles. Each week, Ana feels she is getting stronger.
“I can’t believe how well it is working – I have less pain before and during my periods,” Ana said. “It’s been so long since I’ve lived without constant pain and I’m so grateful to Dr. Ghomi and Tanvi. They’ve given me my life back.”
