Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1518199
10 | Health Matters: Providence St. Joseph Hospital O n New Year's Day of 2021, Sarah Navarro was jolted awake by sharp abdominal pain. She had experienced menstrual pain and was familiar with uncomfortable cramping, but this feeling was new, and frightening. "It was like pain that knocks you off your feet," she says. "I was wondering if I should go to the emergency room." The moment would mark the beginning of a journey toward identifying, treating and overcoming endometriosis. A NOTORIOUSLY DELAYED DIAGNOSIS Before she reached the age of 30, Sarah's life was upended by pelvic pain that seemed to have no end or quick fix. Endometriosis is notorious for delayed diagnosis, and as is true of so many others facing this "silent" yet often debilitating disease, Sarah's days became consumed by chronic pain and a myriad of medical interventions in search of relief. For many women, endometriosis can mean a profound disruption to their daily lives, and Sarah endured the pain until she ultimately found herself under the expert care of Janis Fee, MD, a gynecological surgeon at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. With more than 28 years of experience, Dr. Fee specializes in minimally invasive surgeries. She recently celebrated her 1,000th robotic surgery milestone, all of which were conducted at Providence St. Joseph Hospital. Endometriosis is one of her areas of specialty. Michael Neveux Photography Overcoming Endometriosis Advanced gynecological surgery offers relief from painful disease. Sarah Navarro has regained quality of life after a comprehensive effort on the part of Providence St. Joseph surgeons.