Shari's Story - Pain During Intercourse and a Tipped Uterus

Shari, 32, married and the mother of four children, experienced pain during intercourse. Because the UPLIFT procedure made a big difference in her life, she wants other women who experience painful intercourse to know there is hope for them.

The following is Shari's story in her own words.

Everyone tells you that marriage is a lot of work. You don't realize how much until you experience it for yourself. My husband has always been understanding and patient. But our marriage has had hard times, as many marriages do. Our problems started nine years ago after I had my first daughter. Every time my husband and I would make love it would hurt. Eventually, I didn't have any desire to make love, because in my mind lovemaking equaled pain.

I was diagnosed with a retroverted (tipped) uterus, but I was embarrassed to tell my OB/GYN that I was having pain with intercourse. The pain got worse after the birth of my second and third child. After I switched doctors, my husband insisted that I tell him that I was having pain during intercourse. I told him, and he suggested that I use gel, try different positions, and take it slowly. Nothing helped.

After the birth of my fourth child, the pain got even worse. Every time we would make love, I would cry in pain. The pain was unbearable. Even my pelvic exam hurt. My doctor told me I had second degree uterine prolapse and recommended a hysterectomy. I didn't want to have one, but I didn't want to give up on a solution to my pain either. I knew there had to be something else.

I searched the Internet and came across www.inletmedical.org and www.inletmedical.com. I read and downloaded all of the information I could. I wanted to learn more about the UPLIFT procedure, so I called up Inlet Medical, Inc. The company helped me find a doctor trained in the procedure. But he was located 1.5 hours away and wouldn't accept my insurance.

My husband and I agreed that I should have the UPLIFT procedure done. Women who have the procedure can still have kids. We just needed to find a doctor who did the procedure and took my insurance. A light bulb went off in my head. Doctors are always going to seminars and learning new procedures. I figured my doctor could learn how to do the UPLIFT procedure. After he reviewed information about the procedure, my doctor (Terry Gibbs, DO) said he was willing to learn how to do it and to perform it on me.

An Inlet Medical, Inc. representative worked with Dr. Gibbs to train him. He also arranged to attend the surgery. I was ecstatic. Now it was my job to arrange for help while I was recovering. I knew that I would not be able to take care of my four small children by myself. My husband took off for two weeks. My neighbor agreed to pick up the kids after school. I exercised a lot before my surgery, because I wanted to be in good shape for a fast recovery.

Surgery and Recovery

We scheduled the surgery. I had feelings of happiness, excitement, and fear. I knew that the surgery would have a positive impact on my life. After the surgery, I woke up in the recovery room. I was there for about 3.5 hours. My doctor came in and explained that all went well. I was sore but not in excruciating pain. I was very surprised that I didn't feel worse.

I went home the same day, took pain medications and rested. I started to feel better after about five days, but I didn't get back to my regular schedule including driving the kids until two weeks after surgery. However, please consult your own doctor for pre- and post-surgical instructions. Everyone is different.

Results

About 4.5 weeks after the surgery, my husband and I made love. I could tell the difference right away. There was no feeling of him bumping or hitting anything. I was in shock and disbelief that I wasn't crying in pain.

After having this surgery done, I feel closer to my husband. I feel blessed that I have such a supportive man. I guess that the song "Stand by Your Man" can be rephrased to "Stand by Your Woman" in my case. I am so happy the UPLIFT procedure worked for me. The procedure has changed my life for the better. Now, I want to help others like me.

Shari was treated by Tery Gibbs, Do in Toledo, OH.