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 started seeing a new gynecologist for severe pain and heavy bleeding. After countless ultrasounds, biopsies, and pelvic exams, I asked if we could check my micronutrients and hormones. Her response?
"That’s irrelevant."
That should have been my first red flag.
In 2014, she recommended I undergo a combination of Essure — titanium coils implanted in my fallopian tubes — and a uterine ablation. I was desperate for relief and agreed, even after she said,
“Don’t go Googling this — you’ll scare yourself.”
That should have been my second red flag.
I didn’t Google it. I just wanted to feel better. And yes, the surgery stopped the heavy bleeding — but the pain never left.
When I brought that up post-op, she told me my only remaining option was a hysterectomy.
That’s when I stopped seeing her.
Because a hysterectomy doesn’t cure endometriosis — and I needed more than a bandage. I needed someone to ask what was really going on.
I prepped for that surgery as best I could — I meal prepped, handed out apartment keys to friends, and took the weekend to recover. But it wasn’t healing. It was a detour.
And it’s the reason I now help other women navigate this sacred decision with compassion, facts, and faith.
🔍Understanding Excision vs. Ablation
Let’s talk about two very different surgical approaches that are too often misunderstood.
Excision Surgery
Cuts out endometriosis lesions at the root
Removes deeper disease, not just surface irritation
Associated with lower recurrence rates
Requires a surgeon highly trained in this specialized procedure
Ablation Surgery
Burns or vaporizes the surface of lesions
May leave deeper disease intact
Often performed by general gynecologists
Usually easier to access but has higher recurrence risk
Despite being billed the same by insurance, these are not interchangeable.
Recurrence Rates:
Excision: 5–17% recurrence
(EndoNews)Ablation: 40–60% within 1–2 years
(InnovativeGYN, Endometriosis South Coast)
These numbers matter — because your body, your fertility, your future, and your peace matter.
đź’› 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, take time to pray, process, and prepare.
Here are questions I wish I had known to ask:
Ask Your Surgeon:
Do they specialize in excision, not just ablation?
How many surgeries like this have they performed?
Will there be a multidisciplinary team available (GI, urology, thoracic)?
What is their personal definition of success?
Ask Yourself:
What is my goal from this surgery? Will this surgery actually help me meet this goal?
What will healing look and feel like — truly?
What are the risks I’m willing (or not willing) to accept?
What are the risks of the surgery? What are the risks if I don’t have the surgery?
What kind of recovery time and support will I need? What is actually available and when?
✨ Your “yes” or “no” is sacred.
You don’t owe anyone justification.
You only owe yourself peace and truth.
đź“– Discernment Journal Prompts
Take time to reflect and write with honesty and grace.
What am I hoping this surgery will fix or relieve?
What do I believe healing looks like for me — physically, emotionally, spiritually?
What is my body trying to say right now?
What truths, scriptures, or prayers bring me peace in this season?
Need to Talk It Through?
I offer free 20-minute Clarity Calls for women navigating endo surgery.
No pressure. No agenda. Just compassion, truth, and sisterhood.
🙏 Final Word
You don’t have to make this decision alone. And you don’t have to sacrifice your peace to get relief.
I am here to love you through every step of this journey —
and remind you that your story is sacred, your body is wise,
and healing is still possible.
With you always,
Shannon
Founder, Forgiving Endo