Nobody told us about the surgical options. Nobody told us about the nerve pain. Nobody told us what to ask our surgeons before going under the knife. So we're spilling the tea and sharing everything we wish we knew.

We're breaking down the surgical options for endo: laparoscopy vs. laparotomy, excision vs. ablation, and why the gold standard is rarely what you're offered first. The air they pump into your abdomen that no painkiller will touch (and why). The vibe check that made Kait fly to Boston mid-pandemic for a second (and third) opinion and the specialist who sent her right back home. The gynecologist who told Shireen, verbatim, "since you didn't do this with me, this is no longer my problem."

These are the questions nobody tells you to ask before Endo surgery: Can you try to save my fallopian tube? Should I freeze my eggs before you go in? Can we place an IUD while I'm already under? And yes - whether your belly button comes out of surgery cuter than it went in. (Reasonable ask. Non-negotiable, actually.)

If you're heading toward surgery, just out of it, or trying to figure out who the hell is actually responsible for your care on the other side, this one's for you.

What questions do you wish you'd asked before your surgery? What do you know now that you wish someone had told you going in? What does aftercare actually look like when your doctors aren't talking to each other?

Nothing is TMI. Follow us on Instagram and slide into our DMs - we're building out a real pre- and post-op question guide and we want your input in it.

Because friendship is medicine. And someone should have handed you this information years ago.

Subscribe so you don't miss Episode 4. The truth has always been in the tea. ☕

Instagram: @chronically_female

Website: chronicallyfemale.com

Content Warning & Medical Disclaimer: This episode discusses medical trauma, surgical recovery, chronic pain, gaslighting, and reproductive health. Nothing in this episode should be taken as medical advice, go see your doctor!