Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Linda was in the shower one night when she unexpectedly felt a balloon-like protrusion between her legs. She was 65 years young and in good health, but now she was concerned something was seriously wrong. She immediately called her daughter to share what she had discovered and to convey how worried she was. Her daughter helped calm her nerves and suggested that she call her doctor’s office. Prolapsed Bladder Even though it was Friday night and after hours, Linda called Cherokee Women’s Health and and left a message with their 24-hour on-call service. The on-call nurse promptly returned her call and told Linda that it sounded like bladder or uterine prolapse. She assured her that there was no need for alarm and that a trip to the emergency room wasn’t necessary. The nurse did, however, suggest that Linda come in for an appointment as soon as possible. Linda made an appointment for the following Monday. Prolapsed Bladder Explained Upon examination, the doctor reiterated what the nurse had told her — that she did indeed have a prolapsed bladder, also known as a cystocele. He explained that a prolapsed bladder is very common and occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, many women experience incontinence and constant pressure and/or discomfort, which can interfere with daily activities, such as exercise or intercourse. Causes of Prolapsed Bladder Prolapsed bladder can be caused by a number of things, including: Straining during vaginal childbirth Chronic constipation Violent coughing Heavy lifting The doctor also reassured Linda that her prolapse wasn’t life threatening or a surgical emergency. However, she was told that she would eventually need to consider surgery, since symptoms typically increase over time. Linda was particularly at high risk for this since her job required that she lift heavy items. Meeting Dr. James Haley Linda continued living with the prolapse for another year but, as predicted, her symptoms became more pronounced. When she returned to Cherokee Women’s Health for her annual exam, she saw Dr. Haley for the first time, who came highly recommended and is double board-certified in urogynecology. Dr. Haley listened as Linda described the constant pressure she had been feeling and how it was interfering with her life. Upon evaluation, he determined that along with bladder prolapse, Linda’s uterus was now prolapsed as well — and she had also lost support for other areas within her vagina. Dr. Haley suggested it was time for Linda to consider surgery, along with a total hysterectomy and an anterior, posterior, and enterocele repair. Feeling Back to Normal Linda followed Dr. Haley’s recommendations and had the surgery. It went well and eight weeks later, she returned back to work, feeling normal. “I knew the minute I met with Dr. Haley that I was in good hands. I trusted his experience and expertise and appreciated his kind and patient demeanor.” – Linda on meeting Dr. Haley Four months later and Linda is still doing great. She no longer has constant pain, pressure or discomfort. She is so happy she had the surgery and says, “I am so thankful to Cherokee Women’s Health and to Dr. Haley. I recommend him to everyone I know.” If you are experiencing any of the symptoms Linda had, or any other gynecological issues, don’t wait. Call us at 770.720.7733 to schedule and appointment with one of our expert physicians.

PCOS and Endometriosis – A Patient’s Story

Diane /

One in ten women suffer with a combination of PCOS and endometriosis, and often go undiagnosed. Such is the case with our patient, Tiffany. She was a healthy middle school girl who was very active in sports, but when she began to menstruate, things started to change. Her cycle was always irregular, and sometimes she wouldn’t have a period at all. She wasn’t overly concerned though, and attributed these changes to her active lifestyle. However, by the time she entered high school, her situation worsened. Painful Symptoms Tiffany began to experience a great deal of pain and would sometimes bleed three weeks of the month. Things progressively got worse and lasted for years. She had no idea what the problem was. Tiffany’s mom, and other close family members, had been diagnosed with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The symptoms include pain and irregular periods, among other things. Weight gain is sometimes associated with PCOS due to an increase in male hormones. Since Tiffany never gained any weight, and her mom and relatives all gained quite a bit of weight, she never thought that she could have PCOS. One night, when Tiffany was 21, the pain and bleeding were so severe that she had to go to the emergency room. An ultrasound was performed, and it was discovered that she had a cyst the size of a tangerine on one of her ovaries. She was also told that a smaller cyst had likely ruptured and that was probably the cause of her severe pain. The emergency room doctor recommended that she follow up with a gynecologist. Diagnosed with PCOS and Endometriosis Tiffany made an appointment with Dr. Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. After gathering her history and performing his own ultrasound, he diagnosed her with PCOS and recommended laparoscopic surgery to remove the large cyst. During the surgery, Dr. Litrel discovered that Tiffany also had endometriosis, which he treated during the procedure. Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus known as the endometrium, grows outside your uterus. Dr. Litrel told Tiffany that she may have a hard time conceiving, although it wasn’t impossible. He advised her not to wait too long to try to conceive as her situation was severe. Tiffany shared that her mom had to have a total hysterectomy at the very young age of 24, and that her aunt had one at a young age as well. She also had a few first cousins with PCOS and endometriosis. Feeling Relief After Treatment After the surgery, Tiffany had relief for the first time in years. She began to have regular cycles, her pain lessened, and she had energy again. Dr. Litrel performed ultrasounds on her every 3-6 months. After about a year or so, her symptoms would begin to return, and she eventually needed two more surgeries. Her symptoms improved greatly. “Dr. Litrel helped me so much,” Tiffany says with gratitude. “He is not only an excellent doctor but a Godly man who prayed with me before my surgeries. I loved that!” Dr. Litrel continued to monitor her and perform follow-up ultrasounds. It was during one of those appointments that Dr. Litrel had the pleasure of telling Tiffany she was pregnant. She and her husband were ecstatic! Tiffany’s son Kru was born a few years after her first surgery. Kru is now 11 months old and about to become a big brother. Her baby girl, Remington, whom they will call Remi, was due at the end of April, 2019. “Dr. Litrel helped me so much,” Tiffany says with gratitude. “He is not only an excellent doctor but a Godly man who prayed with me before my surgeries. I loved that! Feeling respected and not like a number, I know he really cares about me. He made me, and my problems feel unique, though I know he had a lot of other patients. He always listened to me. The whole practice is wonderful. Each provider I have seen has treated me well and has shown me they care. I recommend Cherokee Women’s Health to all my friends.” Help is Available Tiffany’s struggle with PCOS and endometriosis may sound familiar. Many women just live with the symptoms and don’t seek a diagnosis or treatment. As Tiffany’s story proves, help is available and you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek help. Call us today at 770.720.7733.

GYN Problems Patient Stories, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Education

“My Insides Are Falling Down!”

Diane /

“My insides are falling down,” explained Mandy, a young mother of three, during her annual GYN exam. Initially, she hesitated to express her discomfort, saying she was “fine.” However, as the conversation progressed, her real concerns surfaced. Since giving birth to her third child, Mandy had been experiencing bladder leakage and an unsettling feeling that her pelvic organs were not properly supported. Like many women, Mandy had been quietly accepting the changes in her body and giving up activities she once loved, such as playing tennis, due to the stress these movements placed on her bladder. Pelvic Health Challenges: A Common Issue Among Women Mandy’s experience is not uncommon. In fact, one in four women faces pelvic health issues at some point in their lives. These challenges can significantly affect daily life, yet many women may choose to tolerate them, thinking they are just part of aging or the aftermath of childbirth. However, it is important to recognize that these issues can be addressed with proper care and treatment. Common Risk Factors for Poor Pelvic Health Several factors contribute to poor pelvic health: Pregnancy and childbirth: The strain on the pelvic area during pregnancy and delivery can weaken the muscles and cause long-term issues. Menopause: As women go through menopause, their pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Heredity: Women with a family history of pelvic floor disorders (PFD), such as a mother or sister with similar issues, are more likely to develop these conditions. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of problems. Other contributing factors include chronic constipation, a poor diet, smoking, heavy lifting, chronic coughing from lung conditions, nerve injuries, and other health issues. What Does a Healthy Pelvic Floor Look Like? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that works around the clock, supporting essential organs such as the uterus, bladder, and rectum. When the pelvic floor functions properly, it leads to several positive outcomes: Normal bladder and bowel function: No issues with urinary or fecal leakage. Properly supported reproductive organs: There is no feeling of pressure, sagging, or the sensation that the pelvic organs are “falling down.” No significant pain or discomfort: Whether from aging, childbirth, or previous injuries, a healthy pelvic floor should not cause pain. Good sexual function: Pelvic health plays a key role in ensuring a satisfying and comfortable sexual experience. Treatment Options for Pelvic Health Issues If you experience any of the symptoms of poor pelvic health, such as bladder leakage, pelvic pain, or the feeling of your organs sagging, there are a variety of treatment options available: Medications: Depending on the cause, medications may help relieve symptoms or address underlying conditions. Lifestyle changes: Diet, exercise, and weight management can have a positive impact on pelvic health. Physical therapy: Pelvic floor therapy can strengthen muscles and reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Noninvasive procedures: Minimally invasive options, such as using pessary devices, can offer relief without surgery. Pelvic reconstructive surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore pelvic organ support. Regain Your Quality of Life Specialists called urogynecologists—OB/GYNs who are board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)—are trained to address pelvic health issues. With the right diagnosis and treatment, women like Mandy can regain control over their pelvic health and enjoy life once again. With treatment, Mandy was able to enjoy life again. You can too. If you experience problems with bladder or fecal leakage, pelvic pain, the sensation of your insides “falling down” or impaired sexual function, call us at 770.720.7733 to schedule an appointment with one of our FPMRS physicians or simply schedule an appointment online.

Endometriosis Education, GYN Problems Patient Stories

Endometriosis – A Patient’s Story

Diane /

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue grows and attaches itself in different places outside of the uterus where it doesn’t belong. It impacts 11% of women in the U.S. alone and often goes undiagnosed for years. That is what happened to Chelsea, a patient of Cherokee Women’s Health. My Primary Doctor Couldn’t Figure it Out Chelsea began to experience severe pain in her lower abdomen in 2013. The pain progressively got worse and eventually became constant. She describes it as the worst pain she has ever had. Having not experienced any previous gynecological issues, she made an appointment with her primary care physician. Unsure of what it could be after Chelsea explained her pain, her doctor decided to run a battery of tests — including blood tests, G.I. tests, and even an MRI — but still, there was no answer. Chelsea felt confused and discouraged. My GYN at Cherokee Women’s Health Really Heard Me A year had nearly passed and Chelsea was still in severe pain so she made an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. During the visit, Chelsea explained what she had been going through and how she felt that no one believed how bad her pain was. Her doctor not only believed her but immediately said that it sounded like endometriosis. She explained that the only way to be sure was to schedule surgery to confirm. Chelsea agreed, anxious to find an answer and hopefully alleviate the pain. Diagnosed With Stage 4 Endometriosis During the surgery, her doctor discovered that while the right side of Chelsea’s pelvis was clear, her left side contained Stage 4 endometriosis — the most severe stage. She also found that Chelsea’s left ovary had attached to part of her intestines. Her endometriosis was treated and freed the ovary from its attachment, and a full sweep was done to make sure all else was clear. Five years later and Chelsea still feels great and has had no reoccurring pain. She credits her doctor’s expertise and for believing her when no one else did. “As long as Cherokee Women’s Health is here, I will never go to anyone else.” – Chelsea In fact, Chelsea is now going back for another reason — she’s trying to conceive. She knows if anyone can help her achieve this dream, it’s Cherokee Women’s Health.

OB Patient Stories

Preemies Run in the Family

Diane /

Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, occurs in roughly 12% of women in the United States. Any birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. The earlier the delivery, the higher the risk for the baby. Though now, with modern information and technology, babies born as early as 23 weeks and weighing just one pound, one ounce have been successfully saved. Krystina, a patient of Cherokee Women’s Health, was all too familiar with premature birth. Two of her grandparents were born premature, as well as multiple family members. Her own mother was also a preemie. And yes, Krystina herself was born premature. Krystina’s mom delivered her 7 weeks early and almost died in the process. Krystina weighed in at only 3 lbs. 3 ounces. She burst both of her lungs immediately following delivery and spent a couple of months in the NICU (neonatal intensive care). At 11 months old, Krystina only weighed 11 pounds. Preemie Mom Gives Birth to Preemie Babies Fast forward over 30 years and Krystina is a healthy adult who now has had two preemies of her own. Her first baby, her son Augustus, who is now 4 ½ years old, was delivered by Cherokee Women’s Health He was 4 weeks early and delivered via emergency C-section. Her most recent birth of her daughter, Aurelia, happened even earlier. Krystina had a textbook pregnancy with her son up until the last trimester, when she developed high blood pressure. Because of this, she began monitoring her blood pressure at home while pregnant with Aurelia. Once again, all was fine—until the 3rd trimester when her blood pressure started rising again. Developing Preeclampsia Krystina woke up early one morning feeling strangely so she took her blood pressure. It was much higher than before. She called Cherokee Women’s Health, who of course had been monitoring her closely as well, and was told to go to the hospital. Once there, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia (a condition that only occurs during pregnancy, and usually after 20 weeks, and can be very dangerous for the mom and baby. High blood pressure is one of the signs). It was decided that she should be admitted but the hospital’s NICU was full, so she was transferred to a different hospital in anticipation of the baby coming early. The next 9 days were very hard on Krystina. She was in a hospital further from home, she hadn’t gotten to say goodbye to her son, and she was very worried about her new baby making an early entrance. Thankfully, the doctors were able to stabilize her blood pressure and after a few days, she was sent back to her local hospital. But once there, her blood pressure elevated again so the decision was made to deliver her baby. Going Home Without Her Baby Her doctor of Cherokee Women’s Health performed a C-section and Aurelia was born 7 weeks early and weighed only 3 lbs. 8 oz., just 5 ounces more than Krystina had weighed when she was born. Aurelia spent the next 13 days in the NICU due to needing oxygen and being a little jaundiced. Overall though, she was strong and doing well. Krystina was also doing well and was released after 2 days. Going home without her baby was one of the hardest things she has ever done. Baby is Home and Healthy! Today Aurelia is a beautiful and healthy 10-month-old daddy’s girl. She is a great eater and has quickly grown to almost 20 pounds. “My doctors played such a crucial role in making sure my babies were fine. They are both fantastic. Their calm demeanors and support really helped me to relax.” – Krystina shares about her experience at Cherokee Women’s Health Krystina and her husband are so grateful that both of their preemies are doing so well. Those babies, and Krystina herself, are great examples of how premature babies can go on to live happy, healthy lives.

Miscarriage Education, OB Patient Stories

Miscarriage – You Are Not Alone

Diane /

A miscarriage often makes women feel alone and as though no one else understands. Janie, a medical assistant here at Cherokee Women’s Health, understands this feeling all too well. A Miscarriage at 6-1/2 Weeks Janie and her husband starting dating in high school and were married in November of 2015. They always knew they wanted children, so they tried to conceive after only a year of marriage. One year later, Janie was pregnant. Their excitement was short-lived, however, when Janie suffered a miscarriage at 6-1/2 weeks. Like so many couples, Janie and her husband were devasted. Along with the physical pain, Janie also dealt with the emotional pain of feeling “like a failure” as a woman, which is also a common reaction after a miscarriage. A few months later, Janie and her husband found out she was pregnant again. When she first saw the two lines on the pregnancy test she was terrified. She wanted to be excited but she and her husband both were so nervous and scared Janie wasn’t sure if they could handle it if they experienced another loss. Leaving it in God’s Hands They decided not to do early bloodwork or ultrasounds, but to leave it in God’s hands. They had their first ultrasound at 7 – 8 weeks and were amazed when that saw the heartbeat, although they were still nervous. After a few more weeks and a few more scans, they were finally ready to share the news. Janie’s pregnancy and delivery went smoothly with no complications. She and her husband now have Carter, their beautiful baby girl — their rainbow baby. (A rainbow baby is a baby born after miscarriage or early loss of a child). Support Meant Everything After suffering the loss of her first baby, Janie now realizes many women have gone through what she has and that she was not alone. Janie’s OB/GYN was a huge support for both her and her husband and was there to deliver their little miracle. She feels that she may never completely heal from that loss, but having faith, family, and Carter makes it easier. You Are Not Alone Though miscarriage is a painful topic, Janie now knows that talking about it can help. She hopes other women can find someone to confide in if they experience this type of loss. As a medical assistant, she hopes to be that person for all the patients that come through the office, even on their worst day. She wants to share her experience and let them know they are not alone.

GYN Problems, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Education, Pelvic Pain Education

Treating Pelvic Health Problems

Diane /

Our OB/GYN practice boasts two urogynecologists who are double board-certified in female pelvic medicine. Women have traveled from 44 states to seek treatment at Cherokee Women’s Health. Cherokee Women’s is the resource in the Southeast for women with pelvic health issues—before, during, and long past the child-bearing years. Pelvic health problems affect almost one-quarter of women, and the incidence increases with age. Most women leave pelvic health issues to their general OB/GYN. But in fact, complete diagnosis of these issues is complex, and sometimes can only be fully addressed by a specialist known as a urogynecologist: an OB/GYN who is certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reproductive Medicine (FPMRS). What is Pelvic Health? Pelvic health includes the functioning of every organ and structure in the pelvis, and encompasses four broad categories: The key foundation for pelvic health is the “pelvic floor” — a versatile set of muscles that works 24/7, supporting the uterus, cervix, vagina, bladder and rectum. Almost one-quarter of women face pelvic floor disorders. Certain risk factors indicate that a woman should be on the lookout for needing further diagnosis and treatment. Pelvic Health Risk Factors Other Risk Factors Include: Treatment Treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, noninvasive procedures or pelvic reconstructive surgery. If you experience problems with bladder or fecal leakage, pelvic pain, the sensation of your insides ”falling down,” or impaired sexual function, seek treatment from one of our board-certified urogynecologists. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

OB Patient Stories

Miscarriage: A Father’s Grief

Diane /

A father’s grief after a miscarriage is often overlooked. Miscarriage and subsequent pregnancies often center on the emotions of the mother only: the grieving and anxiety of losing a baby, and the nerve-racking experience of becoming pregnant again with a “Rainbow Baby”. A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, thus becoming the “rainbow after the storm.” Sharing Grief With the Husband and Learning To Live With Grief and Joy Fathers often feel they have to be “strong for the mother,” so they may put their grief on the back burner, all while silently suffering alone. But solitary grieving can take a toll on a marriage, especially during stressful times, like losing a baby. “Rainbow Mom” Mariah Foster and her husband lost their unborn daughter, Raelynn, late in Mariah’s pregnancy, from a cord accident. She shares their experience and the words of advice from their doctor, who told her to pay attention to how the experience affected not only her, but also her husband and their relationship as a married couple. “After I lost my daughter, Dr. Litrel asked to see us so he could see how we were doing. His advice was not to try to cover up our grief with antidepressants. He told us to go ahead and scream, yell, even be mad at God – but especially to learn how each other grieves.” Mom Mariah shares how she coped with the devastation of miscarriage Miscarriage is Hard on Men Too Mariah said Dr. Litrel told them that the father’s grief is often overlooked, and that he had seen couples divorce after losing a baby because neither understood how the other grieves. “He told me to pay attention to my husband during this time of being sad. He said it’s hard for the man, too – and they grieve in a different way from the woman. “That conversation opened our eyes. And honestly, the grieving process built on our communication and compromise skills.” Mariah shares that Dr. Litrel also advised them to ‘talk about our daughter and use her name’, telling us to take time to enjoy each other, so we could accept the loss better and go on with the marriage. He didn’t want us to lose what we had. He also didn’t want us to try to have another, but just to ‘let it happen’, so he did not prescribe birth control for me. Smiling at the baby beside her in the stroller, Mariah says, “Eleven months later we ended up having our wonderful Rainbow Baby, Cayson Charles. Cayson means ‘Healer’ in Gaelic,” she explains. Getting Pregnant Again is Scary Mariah comments that becoming pregnant after a miscarriage is not the purely joyful experience everyone assumes it will be. “You know, everyone’s excited when you’re pregnant with a rainbow baby, but it’s a lot harder. I was nervous. When I hit nine months and said, “I need to be induced!” I finally ended up having a C-section — and the most beautiful rainbow baby. “During the pregnancy, Dr. Litrel had us on a strict schedule of seeing doctors and also the specialist. By 29-30 weeks, we were going to the doctor every week. “Pregnancy with a Rainbow Baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking.” “The scariest time was at one point, when I slipped and fell at work. I thought at that point I was going to lose him. Dr. Litrel and really, all the medical staff, did everything for us. “They gave me a Doppler (a hand-held monitor) so I could check on Cayson, and seeing him on the screen helped me so much with my anxiety. “Pregnancy with a rainbow baby is nerve-racking. You want to feel him every second of the day. When he’s not moving, you’re panicking. You lay on your left side, you drink ice water, you try all the tricks the doctors tell you. There were times I went to Northside Hospital and just said, ‘Hey, I just need you to do an ultrasound. I can’t find my baby on the Doppler.’ They were great and really supportive during the entire pregnancy.” The Grieving Process “Losing Raelynn was hard for my husband, and sometimes it still is. He’ll take a picture of Cayson, which is his way of grieving. He’ll say, ‘I want to be with him so much, because sometimes he fills that void.’ When Cayson was crawling at six months, my husband was excited to see him, and he’d say, ‘Wow, Raelynn, look what your little brother is doing!’ Mariah wipes away a tear. “It’s hard to explain how it feels because the grieving never stops. “We actually planted a tree for my daughter, and we watch it grow, and talk about it all the time. We got a bird feeder and all the birds come so we can feed them. It’s really sweet. Getting Support “The grievance counselors at Northside are really great and so supportive. On Facebook, there’s a group called Rainbows of Atlanta. When you’re having a hard time — when that anniversary comes up and it’s the week you lost your baby — you can get on that group and post at 4 a.m., and you know someone is going to comment. Someone will be there. It’s so rewarding to see women back each other up. They give advice, and they’re just there.” Mariah smiles and gives her rainbow baby Cayson (aka the Healer), a kiss. Her eyes glisten, but there is happiness there, too. After Miscarriage – Stories of Hope Reading stories of hope from others who have experienced what you’re going through can help you feel not so alone. Here, we share stories from patients who suffered from miscarriage and how they got through it. Sheila suffered many miscarriages so we sat down with her to get her story and learn what she had to overcome to eventually have three Rainbow Babies. Jamie shares her story of

O-Shot Education, Urinary Incontinence Education, Vaginal Rejuvenation Videos

O-Shot: A Holistic Treatment for UI and Sexual Dysfunction

Diane /

Dr. Michael Litrel discusses how the O-Shot, a holistic treatment for urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, can help with female issues. Watch more Vaginal Rejuvenation videos below.

OB Patient Stories

A Rainbow Baby Story: After the Storm

Diane /

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a miscarriage, stillborn birth, or early infant death. With the latest statistics showing that one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage, rainbow babies are more common than many realize. And in some cases, unfortunately, those statistics are even higher. Some women experience multiple miscarriages before they are finally able to have a baby, or even have a miscarriage between healthy pregnancies. Sheila Shares Her Story Sheila, a patient of Cherokee Women’s Health, suffered multiple miscarriages so we recently sat down with her to get her story. Q: Tell us about your miscarriages before you gave birth to your recent rainbow baby, Samuel. Sheila: I have had seven total miscarriages, five consecutively before Samuel. I have three children – a daughter, 20; and two sons, 14 and 12. After our youngest, we tried for six years for Samuel, who is now six weeks old. So, I really have three rainbow babies. Q: How far along were you with each miscarriage? Sheila: I lost one at 8 weeks. It was discovered at the ultrasound that the baby had not grown or progressed. I lost one at 18 weeks , also discovered at the ultrasound, that there was no longer a heartbeat. The next five were before Samuel. I lost one at 10 weeks, where it was discovered at the ultrasound that there was an empty sac, a blighted ovum. Then I had one where I went into labor at 16 weeks and delivered him, (Caleb), in the emergency room. I then had Josiah who I went into early labor with at 22 weeks and 6 days. He was born alive and died 4 ½ days later. After Josiah, I miscarried Thomas at 18 weeks. Then I had another pregnancy that, at 10 weeks, we also discovered it hadn’t progressed. Q: It’s difficult enough to suffer through one miscarriage. What were your emotions like having been through seven? Sheila: I was affect the same, and differently, by each one. At that moment in time the pain is real and the same for all. But looking back, the later ones were even more difficult. It was that the pregnancy “took”, and yet my body was rejecting them. I felt like the one thing that should be easy for a woman to do, I was having such difficulty with. I felt guilt, sadness, anger, all the expected emotions. But losing Josiah really destroyed me since he died in my arms at four days old. Q: What was the pregnancy like with Samuel? Sheila: I went into active labor with him at 24 weeks. My doctor gave me the medicines needed to try and stop labor. Since I was still contracting, he eventually had to transfer me to the Northside Atlanta Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in case I delivered. I was there for three days and it finally stopped so I was sent home with continued medicine, care of a specialist, and put on full bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Q: At what point were you able to relax? Sheila: Never. Not until they put him in my arms. Seeking Help Q: Where did you turn for comfort or support through all of this? Sheila: One of my best friends had a daughter stillborn at 40 weeks. I leaned on her a lot for support. I got comfort just talking about it with family and friends, so I also joined online support groups where everyone shares their stories. What also helps me is remembering each one, knowing their due dates/birthdates, saying their names — honoring them. Q: What advice or words of wisdom can you share with others who may be going through the pain of miscarriage? Sheila: Don’t give up and keep your faith, because even though I had those dark days when I was angry and questioning God, I knew that without my faith that I wouldn’t have gotten through, and I wouldn’t have my rainbow baby. I had to take it one day at a time. Again, don’t give up, look at me! Her Rainbow Baby and Cherokee Women’s Health Q: Were you with Cherokee Women’s Health through all of your miscarriages? Sheila: I was with Cherokee Women’s through the five consecutive ones prior to Samuel, so I saw all of your physicians and advanced practice providers. We live about two hours away so I started seeing a local doctor when I got pregnant with Samuel. However, I didn’t feel like he was taking my history seriously enough though, so I decided to make the drive and come back to Cherokee Women’s Health at 18 weeks. My doctor was wonderful at my first visit, and because of my history, she made sure to get a specialist involved right away and even made the appointment for me while I was still in the exam room. All of the doctors at Cherokee Women’s were on top of everything and very caring and supportive. Three Rainbow Babies Sheila says that after 11 pregnancies and four children, three of which are rainbow babies, she and her family are grateful for all their blessings. She hopes that by sharing her story, as painful as much of it still is, that she can offer hope to another. As we know, the rainbow can’t come until after there is a storm. Miscarriage Resources You may find the following resources helpful in your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Miscarriage Education, OB Patient Stories

After a Miscarriage: Seeking Support

Diane /

Miscarriages may affect women very differently, but the one thing that most have in common is the need for support. Seeking support after a miscarriage was very important for Cherokee Women’s Health patient, Sachiko. Our Patient Suffers a Miscarriage Sachiko knew since she was 16 years old that she had endometriosis, (the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus), and that it could one day affect her chances of getting pregnant. Once married and beginning to think about having children, she decided to seek help from Dr. Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health. After Dr. Litrel performed surgery to remove the endometriosis, he gave her his approval to start trying to get pregnant. Sachiko got pregnant immediately. She and her husband were both thrilled and had no reason to expect any problems. Sadly, Sachiko had a miscarriage late into her first trimester. It started with signs at 8 ½ weeks and lasted a few weeks before she lost the baby. Their excitement turned to devastation and Sachiko felt emotionally broken. The Power of Sharing Her Story Like many couples, Sachiko and her husband had chosen not to make a public announcement about their pregnancy until they were past the first trimester. Because that never happened, Sachiko felt alone and recalls that the hardest part was suffering, without anyone knowing why. That’s when Sachiko decided to post her story on Facebook. She typed a very long post telling everyone what she had been going through and how it had been so hard to grieve in silence. She explained why she had been avoiding friends and that pretending everything was perfectly fine when it wasn’t, had only made matters worse. She had originally thought that keeping her miscarriage a secret would protect herself from having to continually open that wound. But that day, she decided it was time to “rip the band-aid off” and stop hiding so she could begin to focus on healing and moving forward. “The only thing worse than losing something that meant the world to you is pretending that you lost nothing.” She shared the details and timeline of all the pain she and her husband had been going through. She also shared the physical and emotional pain, and the loss of loving the life growing inside of her. She shared how one quote she read had described perfectly what she was feeling. It read, “The only thing worse than losing something that meant the world to you is pretending that you lost nothing.” Sachiko didn’t ask for or want any pity. She just wanted understanding and patience, and thanked the few that she had confided in for their love, prayers and support. Finding Unexpected Support She certainly didn’t expect what happened as a result of her opening up. Not only did she receive an overwhelming amount of support from her loved ones, but friends and acquaintances started reaching out to her to share their own miscarriage experiences. Many of Sachiko’s large network of sorority sisters contacted her to say that by sharing her experience, they realized that they weren’t alone, and that was very helpful to them. By sharing her story, Sachiko didn’t just help others – she helped herself. She found that connecting with others gave her comfort and hope. “It was a very cathartic experience and the support helped me to begin the long process of healing,” she recalls. Sachiko also found music to be very therapeutic. She created a large playlist of songs that spoke about loss and hope. She entitled it Broken. The music was a source of true comfort to her. And then, not quite a year later, Sachiko found another source of support and comfort – her rainbow baby Killian. Though she had a few scary moments during her pregnancy with Killian, he was born a healthy baby and she and her husband were ecstatic and grateful. Advice After Miscarriage Through the whole process Sachiko has continued to share her story as a source of support, hope and comfort to others. Her advice to others who have suffered through the pain of a miscarriage is to talk about it with others, especially those who have also been through it. She says, “Let people into your true feelings and don’t fake that you’re okay. If people don’t know, they can’t try to understand”. Getting support from loved ones or even those outside of your inner circle is an important, and often necessary, step to help in the grieving process. Many communities offer more structured support systems, such as counselors, literature or support groups, which are often free of charge. Your local hospital may also offer information and support. Wherever you seek support, just know that you’re not alone. Miscarriage Resources Following are resources you may find helpful for your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Miscarriage Education, OB Patient Stories

Hope After Miscarriage

Diane /

One in four women experience miscarriage. Hope often helps women cope with the loss of miscarriage. Though that hope may ebb and flow on any given day, it’s always there below the surface waiting to rise again. That’s what happened with one of our patients at Cherokee Women’s Health. Jamie Shares Her Miscarriage Story Jamie and her husband had been trying to have a baby for nine years. During that time, she had three miscarriages, two of which were tubular pregnancies. She had also been experiencing a significant amount of pain. Jamie had been to four or five different OB/GYNs, and all of them told her there was nothing wrong. One doctor even suggested that the pain was probably bowel-related and that she just needed more fiber in her diet. Jamie was feeling sadness, guilt, doubt — and yes — loss of hope, not unlike many women who have experienced similar situations. She and her husband started discussing adoption as an option. She thought that may be the path she would take to motherhood, because Jamie knew in her heart that her purpose on earth was to be a mother, one way or another. She relied on her strong faith during the dark times and that’s how her hope resurfaced again. “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t give up hope. Hold on to your faith.” It was in August of 2017 that she decided to try yet another OB/GYN. That’s when she found Dr. James Haley at Cherokee Women’s Health. From her very first appointment, she knew he was the right doctor for her. He listened to her and most importantly, believed her when she told him about her constant pain and how she thought something was wrong. Dr. Haley recommended a laparoscopic procedure to explore what could be the issue. During the procedure, he discovered that one of her fallopian tubes was all “chewed up”, as she put it. Dr. Haley said it was due to the tubular pregnancies. Within four weeks, he performed the procedure to remove that tube, during which time, he also discovered that she had endometriosis, which was the cause of her pain. He removed that as well. Daring to Hope Though no promises were made, Jamie felt hope once again. And then, three months later, she found out she was pregnant! Jamie shared, “I love Dr. Haley. He is my hero! He believed me and did all he could to help me.” Like many moms who have been through a miscarriage, or multiple ones, Jamie was apprehensive. It wasn’t until about 20 weeks into the pregnancy that she finally thought, “This may actually happen!” Her pregnancy did have a few complications. She had high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, but on August 19, 2018 — 11 months after her procedure and after 36 hours of labor — Dr. Haley performed a C-section and Jamie’s precious, healthy rainbow baby, Bella Klaire, was born. When asked to share any advice she has for other women traveling this difficult road, Jamie says, “Even when things seem hopeless, don’t give up hope. Hold on to your faith.” Miscarriage Resources Following are resources you may find helpful in your recovery process: H.E.A.R.T. Strings Support Group – Hope, Empathy, Alliance, Resources and Teamwork Perinatal Bereavement of Palliative Care. Email them at northsidepnl@gmail.com or call them at 770.224.1817.

Author name: Diane

Prolapsed Bladder – Linda’s Story

PCOS and Endometriosis – A Patient’s Story

“My Insides Are Falling Down!”

Endometriosis – A Patient’s Story

Preemies Run in the Family

Miscarriage – You Are Not Alone

Treating Pelvic Health Problems

Miscarriage: A Father’s Grief

O-Shot: A Holistic Treatment for UI and Sexual Dysfunction

A Rainbow Baby Story: After the Storm

After a Miscarriage: Seeking Support

Hope After Miscarriage

Find us on

Locations

Patient Portal

Appointments

Credit Card Financing

Cherokee Women's Health

WARNING: Mature Content