eightysixtheendo

07/11/2023

So excited to share this wonderful news! The amazing founders of have launched a pilot program in collaboration with the Houston Independent School District... the largest school district in Texas and the 8th largest in the nation! I am so honored to partner with them for this. And I am so proud of all the hard work they have done to make this happen. Congrats !

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⭐️ Exciting News! Introducing Endo Edu! ⭐️⁠ ⁠ We're thrilled to announce the launch of the Endo Edu program, made possible by the generous grant from HISD Foundation. Together with HISD, Endo What?, Project Endo, Eighty-Six the Endo, and Burge & Board, we're empowering school nurses to recognize early signs of endometriosis in students. Let's break the cycle of delayed diagnosis and change lives! Join us in raising awareness and creating brighter futures. 💛⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠ 🔗 Read our press release: https://www.efhou.org/_files/ugd/15d008_db9e7a73d59e4124bdedec9b675313d6.pdf⁠ ⁠ Link in bio.

05/11/2023

Here is my 2-year anniversary update....

Today marks 2 years since my surgery with Dr Sinervo from the . It was my 3rd surgery for endometriosis, my 2nd laporascopic excision, and it included a total hysterectomy for Adenomyosis and a VATS for potential thoracic endometriosis.
Thankfully, no thoracic endo was found, but he did find a large adhesion attached to the omentum, which was likely the cause of my thoracic-like symptoms.

This was the most difficult surgery to recovery from physically and mentally. Aside from that, I still have to manage chronic pain symptoms related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and fibromyalgia.

As I look back today, I can not help but be thankful for the improved quality of life that I have.

Some major wins since surgery:
- No more periods or debilitating cramps! 🥳
- I have only called into work 1 time in the past year for a pain flare (fibro).
- I can tolerate a whole day of cleaning the house and feel the "normal" amount of fatigue and body aches. Then, wake up the next morning with little to no pain.
- I can feel more confident about making future plans. 🥰
- completed pelvic floor physical therapy with great results!

Some really difficult trials since surgery:
- major anxiety, panic attacks, and depression that stemmed from the accumulation of past medical trauma and grief.
- the mental health challenges forcing me to leave my nursing career for a short period of time (but returned to find an incredible WFH oncology nurse role that is perfect for me🥳).
- continuing to battle chronic pain (but with much less frequency and less debilitating intensity).
- finding it difficult to continue my momentum as an endo advocate. This one really is hard to admit. In the past 2 years, I have noticed that I am triggered into anxiety and depression every time I try to get back into my role as an advocate and educator. Some days, I even find it difficult to be logged into my account. It's not something I have fully processed, so that's about all I can share for now about that.

All that say, and I've said this before, excision is the first step to remission. 💛

18/08/2023

25/02/2023

***GIVEAWAY FOR 2 FREE TICKETS to the Houston, TX, screening of Below the Belt next Saturday, 3/4/23****

I have 2 tickets to giveaway to someone who is in the Houston Area or willing to drive to Houston for this exciting screening of Below the Belt. Hosted by Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, and Endometriosis Foundation of Houston.

This documentary by ENDO WHAT? + BELOW THE BELT] is “a powerful documentary on women’s health and healthcare, told through the lens of endometriosis.” The screening will start with a video introduction from Director Shannon Cohen, and will be followed by a special panel discussion.

I will be there with my family and some friends. I hope to see you there, whether you win the tickets or not.

Giveaway rules:
-Like this post
-follow Melissa|Eighty-Six the Endo], , ENDO WHAT? + BELOW THE BELT], , and
-comment below with the phrase, “I can be there!”
-extra entry will be added if you share this post on your story and tag me Melissa|Eighty-Six the Endo] (don’t forget the tag, so that I know).

Giveaway closes at 8 AM on Monday, 2/27/2023. Winner will be announced that evening. Good Luck!!

12/11/2022

November 4, 2021. It’s been over a year since I went to the CEC.

Over 1 year since my second excision for endometriosis and hysterectomy for adenomyosis. ‘

I DO NOT regret any of it. Having surgery with Dr. Sinervo gave me so much of my life back. But to say it has been an easy and amazing road since then would be a lie.

2 months after that surgery, I went back to work and immediately started dealing with anxiety, severe panic attacks, and depression.

5 months after my surgery I HAD TO take a break from nursing due to my deteriorating mental health. Not knowing if it would be temporary or permanent, I took the leap and left a career I love. (Luckily I have been able to return with minimal hours since then.)

During all this time, I have still dealt with severe nerve pain and hypermobile joint pains from my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

I’ve suspected for some time that I have fibromyalgia, but have had a hard time getting a diagnosis. That is, until today. Today I got the diagnosis, and honestly, it’s hitting me hard.

It’s been such a difficult year (past few years, really), so I have decided that I need to take a break from the world outside of my immediate family/friend circle.

Take care y’all.

01/08/2022

It’s been almost 9 months since my hysterectomy…

Every day is different when it comes to how I feel about what it means for me and how the hysterectomy has impacted my life.

Most days, if not all, I am incredibly thankful for the decreased pain and IMPROVED quality of life. Some days I am incredible anxious from the medical trauma I’ve endured over that past 4 years alone. And then some days I am depressed and saddened by the fact that I will never know what it feels like to be pregnant.

Crazy how it wasn’t until after my second surgery in 2020 that adenomyosis was even considered. Despite 2 laparoscopic surgeries, multiple ultrasounds, and an MRI, I never really showed obvious signs of having adenomyosis. We just assumed all my pain was from endo. Some of it was.

Then 8 months after my 2nd surgery (an excision surgery with a skilled specialist), I was able to decipher the different pains that had been from adenomyosis after ALL THESE YEARS; 17 years to be exact. I mean, yes I had endo pain before the excision, but this was different.

Suddenly my symptoms were more clearly related to adenomyosis… and then came the vaginal exam that had me jump out of the exam chair in pain. UGH. 😖😭

So, despite having so much relief from my first excision surgery (2nd surgery overall), I knew that a 3rd one was soon to follow.

At that point, I wasn’t willing to move forward with anyone other than Dr. Sinervo at the . And it is because of D. Sinervo and his team that I am now almost 9 months post-op… feeling better and better everyday.

It’s taken MONTHS to get here: lots of anxiety attacks, multiple trials to find the right antidepressive, and changing my living/working environment. But with all of these changes I have found so much joy and peace.

Feeling grateful and hopeful.

11/07/2022

Making room for new products and a new shop! Get your planners NOW!

The weekly planner was made with the intention to help you track symptoms, and manage life with chronic pain. Though it is geared towards those with endometriosis, it can be used for anyone who has chronic pain.

For those who have been been loyal customers since the planner was released, don’t worry! The planner will still be around, but with some amazing changes. More info about that to come later this year.

Check out the link in my bio to get your planner now! :)

01/03/2022

Holding so much space in my heart for this community. As stated in her stories yesterday, Endometriosis Awareness Month is exhausting for those of us who constantly work to bring awareness, education, and support to the community. This year, I am in no place (mentally) to step up my advocacy efforts and provide much support. Honestly, I am just trying to make it through each day without having several panic attacks. Currently working with my therapist and primary physician to get control of my current situation.

I’m also in the middle of selling our home, moving, and purchasing a new home. It’s just a lot… but know that I am here and thinking of you all.

One thing I knew I would be able to do is make my planners available again for purchase! Yay! Now shipping to US, US territories, Canada, UK, Mexico, and Australia. LINK IN MY BIO!!!

24/12/2021

I pray y’all feel supported, validated, and are surrounded by the people you love. I also pray that you have minimal to NO PAIN this holiday. If you are spending this holiday in the hospital, alone, or in pain, please know that you are not alone and this online endo community is thinking of you.

Can’t wait to share what’s to come in 2022!

29/11/2021

Last day to take advantage of the SALE!

https://eightysixtheendo.com/shop/

I am beyond thankful for the support you all have shown me this past week. The planners are flying off the *virtual* shelves and I could not be more happy. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my small business this holiday season. 😚

10/11/2021

Had my post-op appt with Dr. Sinervo today. 💛

This past week has flown by! I can't believe my surgery was already 6 days ago. The first couple of days were honestly a blur, since I was pretty knocked out from the medicine and anesthesia.

In these days I have been processing what what found and what wasn't.

As many of you know, I came to the CEC because of suspected thoracic endo and suspected adenomyosis. Going into this surgery, I knew that there was about a 30% chance they would be able to confirm thoracic endo, but that meant a 70% chance they wouldnt find anything. Well... nothing was found on my diaphragm or on/around my lungs. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful nothing was found. But I'm sure many of you will understand the fact that I have mixed feelings about this.

In the end, Dr. Sinervo did find several adhesions everywhere.. One was very large and going from my just above my belly button and pulling to my pelvic side wall. He believes this one adhesion could have been causing referred pain to my chest, but only time and healing will tell.

Some other things found:
-Adenomysosis; total hysterectomy was done.
-right o***y was attached to my right pelvic side wall via adhesions; he removed the adhesions.
-appendix was inflamed and scared; he removed my appendix.
-previous excision sites were inflamed and concerning for endo, so he excised those areas. Pathology confirmed they did NOT have endo, but so thankful he excised the areas to be sure.

At the end of the day, I am so thankful that I was able to come to Dr. Sinervo for treatment! I already feel a difference in my pain and mood. I cannot wait to see how the rest of recovery goes and how my quality of life will change. 🙏🏼

06/11/2021

Well, it's post-op day 2. This surgery experience was the best experience I've had.... by far!

Dr. Sinervo from the is an angel sent from heaven to take care of us endometriosis patients. He and Wendy, his first assist OR RN, both held my hand as the anesthesia kicked it.

I feel so honored and blessed to be on this side of my surgery with Dr. Sinervo. I know access to expert excision is not possible for so many people. It wouldn't have been possible for me if we hadn't taken on debt and had help of our families. But I'll take on debt any day to be able to have a better quality of life.

And an especially large THANK YOU to my husband who has gone through all of this with me. He is amazing! 💞
As y'all know, my golden retriever is my cuddle bug whenever I don't feel well. My hubby brought me this golden retriever stuffed animal once I got to my hospital room. 😭🥰😭🥰

I'll share more later about what they found during surgery. I am still processing it myself.