My story begins as a young teen who always struggled with heavy periods and cramping that would require bedrest and lots of ibuprofen. Everyone told me that once I had children (17 years later) that this “issue” would go away.

Needless to say after two kids, it never did. At the age of 40, I decided to talk with my Primary Care Physician about what my options were, and she referred me to an OB/GYN. I guess given my age, symptoms, and fibroids, a hysterectomy and removal of the one ovary was my best option. At this point I was ready to do anything and had the hysterectomy. I was not even close to being prepared for the chain of events that followed. I was having night sweats, pelvic pain, anxiety and depression, and overall was not feeling any better. My sexual relationship with my husband suffered and in the process so did my self esteem. I felt as if I had traded one set of issues for another set. At this point I decided to seek out a new OB/GYN and met Nisha McKenzie, PA-C. I came to the office feeling hopeless and helpless. My life had been turned upside down. I was able to ask her questions about hormones, pain during intercourse, low libido, and what I could expect as I continued my recovery journey. I felt like she understood what I was going through and was able to look at my situation thru the lens of treating the whole person. That has not always been my experience with the medical community. I appreciated that she took the time to listen and provided a nurturing and comfortable environment for me to ask questions that were very personal in nature. I think sometimes as women we think that if we talk about sex or ask questions about sex somehow we are deviant or should be ashamed of our bodies. No question was off limits!

As I write this, I am almost 2 years post hysterectomy and doing much better. I could not have done it without the support of Nisha and the resources/knowledge she was able to provide for me. Thank you Nisha and staff!