October 29, 2007

My experience with Dr. Kanayama was nothing short of life changing. I am 26 years old and have been suffering from endometriosis for ten years with absolutely no relief in sight. Having this disease has made me feel completely helpless and took so many years from me. As soon as we were in contact with Dr. Kanayama, we had an appointment the following week. During my first appointment he was able to feel the endometriosis just by examining me and showed me the growth of the disease on the ultrasound machine. Contrary to previous diagnosis, Dr. Kanayama was able to tell in the first couple of minutes that I was riddled with the disease at stage 3 or 4. Consequently, by the first 5 minutes of knowing him I had complete confidence in his practice and was impressed with his understanding and knowledge of the disease. During each visit he took time out to articulate the disease verbally and visually to ensure that I understood.

This had been my frustration; prior to being treated by Dr. Kanayama, I was examined 4-5 times a year by other gynecologists and each time they said I was in perfect reproductive condition and as "clean as a whistle". Not until my second laparoscopic surgery to remove a large ovarian cyst, did my previous gynecologist find endometriosis. He was sure prior to the surgery that I did not have endometriosis because he couldn't feel it during examination and couldn't find it with the ultrasound. Even after the surgery he misdiagnosed the severity of the disease, I assume due to lack of knowledge, telling me I had a minor case. I was given a small pamphlet on the disease and according to them, the next course of treatment was Lupron. I must say, logically I was leery of inducing menopause with the strong possibility of Lupron having little to no effect on the disease. The "treatment" options only seemed to solidify a hopeless condition. We simply couldn't believe these solutions as the only options, so we researched doctors until we found Dr. Kanayama.

The surgery at Greenwich Hospital was better than I expected. I felt comfortable and confident that I was going to have a safe and successful operation. Greenwich hospital is by far the most highly technological medical institution I have seen. The environment was more like a nice, serene hotel than the loud, stressful typical hospital. The hospital staff was friendly and professional. The nurses at Greenwich Hospital praised Dr. Kanayama's work telling me several successful stories. I am now reaping the benefits as Dr. Kanayama was able to remove the entire disease through advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Overall, I do not know what I would have done if we didn't find Dr. Kanayama. I am finally able to live my life like a healthy 26-year-old. I am looking forward to beginning a Master's degree program and eventually pregnancy. I don't have to take this disease into consideration each time I have to make decisions. Most importantly I have my life back. I am so grateful to Dr. Kanayama and his office for their sympathy and relieving me of this disease.

Elena Fichter