May 26, 2009

"Come to me all you are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
     
     When I read this verse in the introduction letter to Dr. Kanayama, on his web site, I knew at that moment that he was a man of God. I felt such a peace within knowing that God had made our paths to cross, that I would take to him the heavy burden of this horrible disease of endometriosis and the Lord would use him in a miraculous way to give me rest.
 
      For years I had suffered with excruciating abdominal pain, extensive abdominal bloating, digestive problems, rectal pain, pressure and  even rectal bleeding. I was taking over the counter pain medications for at least 21 days of the month, without relief. I had never been given the diagnosis of endometriosis; only ovarian cysts. I knew there had to be something else causing such health problems.

       December 2008 I was scheduled for laparoscopic surgery in my home town with the intent to remove the bilateral ovarian cysts. My Gyn surgeon was "shocked" at the immediate discovery of frozen pelvis, end stage lV endometriosis. The endometriosis was so extensive that every organ in my pelvis was fused together. The surgeon could not distinguish any anatomical land marks; she could not even locate my ovaries, let alone remove the cysts. The procedure was aborted, as she feared that many complications would arise should she continue.

      When I spoke to her that evening she told me that the only treatment for me would be a complete Hysterectomy or maybe Lupron injections. I definitely did not want to have a hysterectomy or lupron injections. I knew in my heart that I would be healed without either; that's where  Dr. Kanayama comes in.
 
       The Lord works miracles through physicians all of the time, he touches them with gifts of wisdom and with the knowledge they will need to help those in need; and Dr. Kanayama is certainly no exception to that rule.
 
       January 2009 my husband and I traveled from Maryland to NYC for an appointment with Dr. Kanayama. He is such a compassionate, caring physician and his office manager Sabrina has been wonderful. She is a wealth of knowledge and will help you every step of the way with insurance matters and anything else you are in need of.
 
       Dr. Kanayama confirmed the stage IV endometriosis diagnosis and said that I would have had this disease for at least 15 years. My hope in giving such detail in this testimony is that other women will realize they do not have slip through the cracks. They will no longer have their very real symptoms dismissed, but will seek treatment from an expert who specializes in the treatment of endometriosis. Having a hysterectomy will not cure this disease. Dr. Kanayama performs the latest scientific technique available, using a specialized tool designed to remove the endometrial tissue at its root.
 
       Early February 2009 I had surgery at Greenwich Hospital, in Connecticut, under the care and direction of Dr. Kanayama. I can't say enough about the experience. The hospital is immaculate, the staff so caring, and most importantly, very competent. I felt very welcome and so comfortable during the same day procedure. Of course I was nervous, but they assured me I was in more than capable hands.
 
       My surgery went very well. I was apparently one of his most complicated cases, which makes me feel all the more blessed that everything went so smoothly. Dr. Kanayama removed 90- 95% of the endometriosis. I did not require a hysterectomy, and I will not require Lupron injections. He was able to totally reconstruct my pelvic organs, including the repair of extensive problems with my ureters and colon. I was in grave danger of losing my left kidney; the endometrial tissue had constricted the ureter to a fraction of its normal diameter. I would have also lost a large portion of my colon, had it not been for Dr. Kanayama's expertise.
 
        It's miraculous! I can't say that enough. It has been three months since my surgery... I have been healed... completely healed. The pain is gone. If any of you are afflicted with this disease, don't hesitate to seek treatment from Dr. Kanayama, you will be blessed beyond measure.
 
        I will be forever grateful to Dr. Kanayama, a man of God who has been given the gift to heal.
 
        Sincerely,

        Lori Braithwaite