March 2009 Dear Dr. Kanayama, Sabrina, Greenwich Hospital, and All Others Part of the New York Endometriosis Center Family First and foremost, I want to say that this letter of thanks is long overdue. It has been nearly six months since being treated by Dr. Kanayama and my overall health has not been better. Although I am only 27 years old, my life did not begin until September 20th, 2008 - after I awoke from the laparoscopic excision surgery performed by Dr. Kanayama and his team. I am, by no means exaggerating the feelings I have just expressed, but I will eternally be grateful for having been under your care, Dr. Kanayama. Allow me to chronicle below my life before the care I received at the New York Endometriosis Center, and you will see for yourself the positive impact your care has made in my life. For as long as I can remember, I have always experienced major pains and cramps since first starting my menstruation. For years, I went from doctor to doctor in hopes that someone would diagnose my condition with certainty and help me cope with my discomfort. I heard every remark, from “Its just cramps” to “Your pain is just in your head- let me refer your to a psychiatrist”. The frustration, anger and sickness I felt impacted my days as a college student, forcing me to fail out of several courses and inevitably complete my degree requirements late. One unfortunately evening, I was in a car accident. After a full body MRI, I was asked to get checked out by an OB-GYN since there appeared to be masses in my pelvic area, and my uterus seemed to have a slight deviation. After seeking out several doctors, I finally went on to an endocrinologist whom, after another MRI, told me it was suspected I had endometriosis, and therefore would start me on the Lupron therapy treatment immediately. The challenges in my health after being on Lupron only worsened. The hot flashes were crazy, the excessively dry skin was uncomfortable, my joints hurt, my hair fell out, the insomnia had me addicted to Ambien, and the weight gain was the final blow to my overall state of existence. The temporary suspension of my period was perhaps the only positive thing that surfaced from the Lupron therapy, for the side effects of this drug in treating my then “suspected” endometriosis was far worse than my “suspected” disease. Not only was my life impacted on a physiological level, but the manner in which I related to others was affected as well. I was this awkward, some-what reclusive, overly hormonal, rapidly aging young adult. I focused solely on working, since I could not control my health and did not care much about socializing- because lets face it- what is life without health? At least, I thought, I could forget my ailments by just concentrating on my job. But with endometriosis, I could never really give anything my undivided attention and dedication. My work suffered much, because my pain and bloating at times was so severe I just couldn’t get out of bed. When I was feeling like that, the overall malaise I felt drained my energy and it was challenging to meet my responsibilities. It was very tough explaining what was wrong with me to my bosses, colleagues and staff. I kept searching for more doctors and explanations but time and time again, I was just given medications to cope with my pain. Five years after my first dosages of Lupron, I endured two more rounds of this drug. This second time around, it wasn’t as effective. I was bleeding excessively, had painful cramps, all the other symptoms from the first Lupron came back around, and my immune system suddenly decided it would work against me too. I was dealing with endometriosis, the effects of Lurpon, allergies, sinusitis, fluctuations in my thyroid levels that had my general physician think that I may become hypothyroid, and sudden adult onset of asthma. I had totally given up hope to any and all recovery, and just took birth control pilss daily so I would only get my period every three months. I lived with pain and discomfort daily, and just existed with it because I thought, in agony, that I should just accept my life the way it was. My body couldn’t take it anymore. Last May, my pains increased in severity to the point where walking became a hassle. The sharp pain that radiated from my right ovary would be bad enough that I couldn’t move. After two doctor visits and a sonogram, I was told nothing was wrong with me and that unfortunately, since it was probably endometriosis my only option was to go on the Lupron again. At this point in time, feeling utterly distraught, confused and alone, I figured my life options were, either stay like this forever, or try, for the final time, to search for someone-anyone-anything to help me get past my ailments. For two days I frantically searched online to gather as much information on endometriosis and gynecological disorder experts near me and within the United States. During this search I promised to myself that I would not accept anymore being crippled by endometriosis, nor continue feeling hopeless. I was going to get past my enormous distrust of doctors and find a solution. And then I came across your website, Dr. Kanayama. I felt an immediate connection with the other patients who shared their testimonials, and I could not wait to book an appointment with you. Your wonderful assistant Sabrina gave me the quickest appointment, and assisted me with the patient forms I needed to fill out. I remember that, by the time I finally met you, I couldn’t stop crying because I was sick and tired of the life I was leading. You confirmed my diagnosis, and explained that the sharp pains I was feeling were due to my uterus tilting to the right since the adhesions were sticking it to my right ovary. This will sound crazy, but hearing your diagnosis was music to my ears! At last, a doctor gave me explanations about what was wrong with me. You even explained that my sudden allergy sensitivities were normal in women with endometriosis. You made me fully understand my medical situation, and I no longer felt like an alien among humans. I trusted you, your knowledge, and your diagnosis quicker than I had ever trusted anyone on any topic. You gave me hope just by you merely taking your time in thoroughly examining me and answering my questions. Sabrina took her time in walking me through the tangled web of health insurance. She promptly gave me any paper work required by my employer and eased that process for me. An expert at her field, she is an asset to your practice, and together both you Dr. Kanayama and Sabrina make an awesome duo. I firmly believe that any sick lady who goes to the New York Endometriosis Center will have her luck turned around after being in the care of both of you. I cannot help but rave what a luxury it felt to be a patient at Greenwich Hospital. Being there felt like being in a resort, and I felt extremely comfortable with the care and attention I received there. My room was great, the nurses were friendly, the facility was clean and the entire hospital was filled with an energy of positivity. It was so sweet of the nurses to ease my nerves prior to surgery, since I wouldn’t stop sobbing from the fear I felt. The team at Greenwich Hospital only proved in reassuring me what I already felt in my heart: that I was in the best hands in treating my endometriosis with you, Dr. Kanayama. During surgery you discovered that my endometriosis was at stage two and progressing to my bowels, which helped explain my irritable bowel symptoms. You and your team took your time with me during surgery, and when I awoke from it, I felt emotional relief. My road to recovery has not been an easy one, but it has certainly smoothed out after finding you. I only wish that other doctors had a fraction of the humanity, compassion and knowledge that you have. I took three months off from work to fully recover, and I’m thankful my recovery post surgery has not been as fraught with complications. It is true, after surgery I felt very sore, had a hard time walking, and had several weeks of emotional ups and downs, but none of that compares to how miserable I felt prior to surgery. I feel, thanks to you Dr. Kanayama, that I have overcome this evil endometriosis. Since my surgery, I have returned to work and an trying to have a normal life. I have called out sick from work once in the last four months as opposed to the usual two or three days. I have become more outgoing and healthier. I plan activities and follow them through. I have more energy and my cramps are starting to become something that happen for maybe two days during my period as opposed to all month long. The bloating I had that made me look pregnant has started to disappear. Surprisingly, even my allergies don’t act up as often. People around me and at work notice the difference in my appearance and my attitude. I can’t stop raving about how much better I feel. Certainly, my life has been completely changed. I’m not apprehensive about my future; on the contrary I can’t wait to embrace it, because I no longer feel like my endometriosis will keep me stagnant in life. Dr. Kanayama, you and your team are role models in your field. May God bless you all, and may you continue to positively touch the lives of other women, as you have done to me. My eternal gratitude is yours and I hope that you are always successful in your offerings of your care and the New York Endometriosis Center. Sincerely, Heidy Then |