Fibroid Treatment Collaborative

Mar 1st, 2022

Beginning in January of 2019 I started having pains that I couldnt pin down. As the weeks went by, they continued to progress landing me four consecutive visits to the emergency room. The doctors continually told me all the tests were coming back with all clear. Even though what was happening inside my body didnt match what they were telling me I had no choice but to go home and deal with it. I was given a referral to a GI specialist which gave me some hope that Id get some answers. There were multiple tests, samples given, and an endoscopy. All coming back with healthy results. Once again, I found myself dealing with it at home. As the months went by, I slowly felt better and learned to live with it. It wasnt until another emergency room visit in August of 2020 that it became an unmanageable problem again. Again, I was given the referral to a different GI. Although this doctor was kind and attentive, the results kept coming back as normal. My GI had some ideas for continual testing, but I was at the end of my rope at this point. I did my own research and found testimonies of women who had endometriosis and lived with it for years and years, but doctors kept telling them they were fine or to toughen up. I reached out to my gynecologist to discuss this and she said I needed to get imaging. AT this point I was fed up with the procedures/imaging I had to go through (blood samples, stool samples, endoscopy/colonoscopy, CT Enterography, stomach ultrasound) and now she wanted me to get an ovarian ultrasound. Once I got the ultrasound I, of course, got a negative result because nothing showed up. If I was at the end of my rope before I was devastated at this point. But I turned back to the testimonies of women who have endometriosis and took their advice. Soldier on until you get someone who will take you seriously. I set up three doctors appointments with endometriosis specialists at different hospitals. One at Northwestern, another at UofChicago, and finally the last one at Advocate (this was a referral given to me by my OBGYN). The first specialist at Northwestern was a nightmare and repeatedly insisted that I needed pelvic floor therapy and she thought surgery wouldnt be helpful and cant guarantee the pain would go away. The next specialist was much better and ready to help but was on medical leave until the following March 2021. Anxious to get this taken care of I put all my hopes into Dr. Shoshua at Advocate and he exceeded my expectations. Not only did he listen but he was ready to do surgery as soon as possible. There were a lot of tears in his office and he looked at me and said We arent going to let this pain run your life and he didnt let it. In the middle of December 2020 I proceeded with laparoscopic surgery and Im absolutely overjoyed to say my battle with chronic pain is over. I am endlessly thankful for Dr. Shoshua and his entire staff. If you are someone looking for a specialist let this be a sign to reach out to their office and schedule an appointment. The average diagnosis time for endometriosis is 10 years and I was able to get it taken care of in 2. I hope this story helps you address it in under that time.
Oct 4th, 2021

May 21st, 2021

I had fibroids for years and I was always afraid to get them removed and/or did not think it was necessary at the time until the symptoms that came along with fibroids were unbearable. I recently moved to Chicago from Houston, and I noticed throughout the city, Chicago acknowledges the nuisance of fibroids noticeably more than Texas. My first consultation was with a known female doctor in Chicago, however my experience was nothing like expected. The visit was very uncomfortable and the energy was off. I used my discernment regardless of my preference and searched again for male OBGYNs/Surgeons as well. I came across Dr. Shashoua and his reviews... I decided to take a chance. I called Dr. Shashouas office and the sweetest, most understanding lady answered the phone and booked my appointment(My Southern roots appreciates a good sweetheart.) In no time, I was booked and looking at the man with the master plan. During all of my visits with Dr. Shashoua, his nurses, residents, office staff, PA, and surgical coordinators, I was prioritized, protected and comfortable. Dr. Shashoua will definitely remove your fibroids and will guarantee you look and feel good afterwards. Dr. Shashoua is very meticulous and thats a great trait to have as a surgeon. I must say I am truly blessed and grateful for everything Dr. Shashoua, his office and the Advocate Masonic Hospital has done for me. Take a leap of faith, I promise you will not regret it.
Jun 19th, 2021