AM's Story

I became sick in 1995. I would wake up in the morning after 8 hours of sleep and feel like I hadn't slept at all. I was always tired. My stomach was flat in the morning, but by the end of the day at 3:30 pm I looked as if I were 7 months pregnant. It would hurt so badly. My lower back, neck and stomach were extended so much. I was in constant pain. Mind you I never went on pain meds, only basic Tylenol (10-12 a day). As soon as I would eat or drink anything my stomach would hurt.

1995-1997: I saw my OBGYN and a gastroenterologist. They did several blood tests, CT scans, upper and lower GIs, three colonoscopies and laparoscopies. No results, just several bills.

1997-1999: I went to a new OBGYN. He did ultrasounds of my lower stomach and blood work. He said pelvic congestion was the cause of my pain and bloating.

2000: This OBGYN performed a hysterectomy to relieve my pelvic congestion. It was the worst surgery ever. I was in so much pain and the cut was from hip bone to hip bone. I still have no feeling from my belly button down. A month later I was worse than I had been before so I went back to this OBGYN. He told me to look in the phone book for a new doctor. I was so upset. This was when my depression started.

2000-2001: I went to an internal medicine doctor. He did some blood work but that was all he wanted to do. He said I had been through enough.

2001-2002: I went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. They diagnosed me with pelvic floor dysfunction. I had to spend 16 weeks there alone. While I was there a saw a therapist who specialized in pelvic floor dysfunction. This therapist told me I didn't know how to have a bowel movement and tried to teach me how to go to the bathroom properly. The Mayo Clinic diagnosed me for my depression and gave me a prescription for effexor.

2004-2005: I was referred to a second doctor for pain management but this wasn't any help. I needed to be on medication for my pain but I couldn't take any because of my job. I was slowly losing hope. My depression was worse than ever and I was going to the doctor for antidepressants every two weeks. I was at 120 mg Cymbolta. I was working two to three days a week and slept most of the time. I didn't want to be a mom or a wife anymore. I didn't want to live anymore. I was sick and tired and nobody could figure out my problem. I was taking Tylenol 10-12 times a day and laxatives 2-4 times a day. I used an enema about 3 times a week and took three additional medications that were supposed to help me go to the bathroom. None of it was working. My life was slipping away, my marriage was crashing down around me, and I didn't care.

Late 2005: I went into my doctor's office. I sat in his office and cried. I told him he needed to help me or I would end my life. That is when he sent me to the MBCP. He said it was a very good program that would figure out my problem.

I got a call with my appointment date in a matter of days. This was my last shot, so I dragged my husband with me for yet another doctor's visit. From the time I entered the U of M hospital the staff were all so helpful. The place was huge and I was a little scared. Then I met with doctors from the gastroenterology department. I brought all my medical records with me but the doctors had looked over them before I got there so they already knew about my medical history. They brought Anne McLeod in and we talked a little. She wanted me to go through another pelvic floor therapy but I couldn't because of my work. I kept telling her that I had just had this therapy done and was not going through it again. I knew how to control my muscles and knew something else was causing my problem. She then wanted me to try a couple of over-the-counter laxatives and eat certain foods. There was no charge for this visit.

Next I saw Dr. Dee Fenner (I think the world of her). She said I had rectocele and fixed it for me, but this didn't help my problem. Next I saw Dr. Finlayson. She talked to me about the option of removing my colon and putting me on an ostomy bag. I was scared. I had to think about it. I was for it but I was not getting any support from my husband.

Weeks went by and I kept in touch with the nurses in the MBCP. I would call them on a daily basis and they were there for me everyday, every time I needed them. I talked to Dr. Finlayson again about the possibly of getting my colon removed. She said she was willing to perform the surgery with my understanding that I might end up with an ostomy bag. I decided to get the surgery.

It went great. The staff was so great; they made me feel comfortable and made sure my husband and I understood the operation. I had the spinal tap for pain which I highly recommend to anyone. Several doctors came and talked to my husband and I while I was in pre-op. I didn't feel like just another patient. I wasn't scared. I was actually excited. This was it; my life was going to change for good. I said goodbye to my husband and they gave him a pager so they could be in contact with him (he thought that was great because he could go eat and walk around during my seven and a half hour surgery). When I woke up in recovery everyone was so friendly. They kept a close eye on me. My husband and mother-in-law came in to talk to me.

I remember I felt my stomach to see if I had the bag. I didn't and I was so happy! The nurse said everything went well. The staff then brought me to my room and there were so many nurses waiting for me. They put me in my bed and they made sure my pain level was okay. The doctors came in to check on me twice a day. The staff was great. I felt like they weren't just there for the paycheck. They were there for me.

I did have some complications: blood clots in my arm. We had to keep moving my IVs because they would hurt so badly. When I had to go get x-rays on my arm the staff was so careful with me. They helped me out of the bed and into the wheel chair. They staff was so friendly, all of them from the nurses on my floor to the staff that brought me to the radiology room. The staff at the radiology room was very careful with me on the table.

I couldn't believe how many visitors came to see me. Doctors from the hospital that I had seen for my problem took time out of their day to see me. They didn't have to do that (the doctor that performed my other surgery came in one time on the day that I left).

The people I need to thank the most are Anne McLeod and Raylene. Anne is the one who pushed me to keep going. I had her on speed dial, she was my life line. Thanks Anne for all the support and not just treating me like another patient. U of M is so lucky to have you, Anne.

I always think of U of M when people tell me they are sick and can't find a good doctor. I always tell them to go to the U of M hospital if you want a good doctor.

Almost 1 year later: I am going to the bathroom 4-5 times a day with no pain. I am a happy mom and I am in love with my husband again. I still go to my doctor for depression, but I am slowly reducing my medications.

Thanks again Dr. Fenner, Dr. Chey, Dr. Finlayson, Anne, Raylene, and all the nurses who took care of me!