Is Surgery the Right Path for Me? A Whole-Woman, Faith-Fueled Guide to Endometriosis Surgery

💔 My First Surgery: What I Wish I’d Known

In 2013, I sought help for debilitating pain and heavy bleeding. After countless ultrasounds and exams, I asked my new gynecologist to check my hormones and micronutrients. Her reply?

"That’s irrelevant."

That should have been my first red flag.

In 2014, she recommended a combination of Essure implants and a uterine ablation. Desperate for relief, I agreed, despite her warning:

“Don’t go Googling this — you’ll scare yourself.”

That was my second red flag.

I didn’t Google it. I just wanted to feel better. While the procedure stopped the bleeding, the pain persisted.

When I followed up, she told me a hysterectomy was my only option.

That’s when I walked away.

I knew endometriosis needed more than a bandage. It required deeper understanding, compassion, and care.

Now, I help other women make this sacred decision with facts, faith, and full awareness.

🔍 Understanding Excision vs. Ablation

Excision Surgery

• Removes endometriosis lesions at the root

• Targets deep disease, not just surface tissue

• Associated with lower recurrence rates

• Requires specialized surgical training

Ablation Surgery

• Burns or vaporizes surface lesions

• Often leaves deeper disease untouched

• Typically performed by general gynecologists

• More accessible but linked to higher recurrence

Why It Matters

Though billed and reimbursed the same, these surgeries yield vastly different outcomes.

Recurrence Rates:

• Excision: 5–17% (EndoNews)

• Ablation: 40–60% within 1–2 years (InnovativeGYN, Endometriosis South Coast)

FAQ Q: Is excision surgery always better than ablation?
A: Excision is typically more effective for long-term relief but depends on surgical skill and disease severity.

Q: Can ablation ever be appropriate?
A: In less severe cases or when excision-trained surgeons are inaccessible, ablation may provide temporary relief.

Your body, fertility, and peace are too important for anything less than clarity.

💛 You Deserve Informed Consent

You are not “just another patient.” You are a whole woman: body, heart, mind, and spirit.

Before saying yes to surgery, pause to pray, process, and prepare.

Ask Your Surgeon:

• Do you specialize in excision or ablation?

• How many of these procedures have you performed?

• Will a multidisciplinary team be available if needed?

• What is your personal definition of surgical success?

Ask Yourself:

• What do I hope this surgery will achieve?

• What does true healing look and feel like to me?

• What risks am I willing (or not willing) to take?

• What are the risks of surgery vs. not having surgery?

• What recovery support do I need and have available?

✨ Your "yes" or "no" is sacred. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Only your peace matters.

📅 Pre- and Post-Surgery Preparation

Pre-Surgery Tips to discuss with your practitioner

• Prioritize restorative sleep

• Boost protein, Vitamin D, and probiotics (10B+ CFUs) (see Bacteria Blog)

• Consider adding L-arginine and glutamine for tissue repair

• Fish oil is generally safe pre-op

• Avoid NSAIDs, St. John’s Wort, and unverified herbs

• Regulate stress via prayer, vagus nerve work, and breath

Post-Surgery Recovery

• Meal prep or schedule delivery

• Complete chores beforehand

• Create a soothing sleep environment

• Use silicone gels, sunscreen, and onion extract on scars

• Massage scars daily for a year

• Gentle daily walks; avoid strenuous activity

• Practice deep breathing and introduce light strength training

Healing is more than recovery. It’s restoration.

Real Client Example:

“After working with Shannon pre-surgery, I felt calm and confident. I knew what questions to ask and how to prepare. The post-op tips changed everything for me—especially managing my anxiety through breath and prayer.” — Marisa C., California

📖 Discernment Journal Prompts

Reflect with honesty and grace:

• What do I hope this surgery will fix?

• What does healing look like for me, body and soul?

• What is my body trying to tell me?

• Which scriptures or truths ground me in peace?

👉 Need to Talk It Through?

I offer free 20-minute Clarity Calls for women navigating surgery decisions. No pressure. No agenda. Just sisterhood, truth, and care.

→ Book your free call

🙏 Final Word

You don’t have to choose between peace and relief. I’m here to support your journey with love, truth, and faith.

Your story is sacred.
Your body is wise.
Healing is still possible.

With you always,
Shannon
Founder, Forgiving Endo