Success Stories

PELVIC PAIN SUCCESS STORIES –

v    Kate’s Story: You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence

In July of 2006 I was diagnosed with Vulvar Vestibulitus Syndrome (VVS). I was completely unaware of this condition and was stunned by the news. While it was a huge relief and weight off my shoulders to finally receive a diagnosis, confusion and disappointment soon set in as I learned more about VVS. With the guidance of Dr. Richard Marvel I worked to reduce my pain as much as possible over the course of 8 months.
One of the best things Dr. Marvel did for me was to refer me to Her Health in Columbia , MD to have my pelvic floor evaluated and treated. Melissa Reinhardt and Jennifer Ortiz, both physical therapists at Her Health, are top notch and were incredibly supportive and compassionate. I found an extraordinary amount of success during my sessions with them and they always gave me as much information and time as I needed. They welcomed my husband and encouraged him to attend some of my sessions so that he could understand what was happening and even learn how to help me. Melissa and Jen are extraordinary health care providers, amazing human beings and they both fill a great need that receives little attention by the medical community and general public. Her Health truly improved the quality of my life and without them, I would be another woman bouncing from doctor to doctor, miserable and confused.
After 8 months, the reduction in general pain was a fantastic improvement mentally, emotionally and physically; but, there was one localized area—my vestibule—that was still severely painful with contact. It became obvious that the variety of treatments I tried would not eradicate my vestibular pain. I was given the option of surgery and in June of 2007 I underwent a vestibulectomy with vaginal advancement.
As you can imagine, I was extremely nervous about the surgery; I worried that I would be “messing” something up and that if the procedure didn’t work, I would either be back to square one, or would have worse pain. Fortunately for me, and for about 90% of women, the surgery was a tremendous success. I could not believe that a minor procedure could actually take away such a severe, encompassing pain. My recovery didn’t stop in the surgical room either; the aftercare I received from Dr. Marvel and his staff was phenomenal. I attended follow up appointments and continued with my physical therapy once I healed. Melissa and Jen delighted in my success and they continued to provide treatment to reduce the possibility of painful scarring and to ease muscle tension.
Today, I am pain free! I hope for more funding, more research and most of all, more awareness in the medical community so that, in the future, women do not have to suffer like so many of us have. You don’t have to suffer in silence, there is help and there is hope.

Kate

The story of JS

v    I was sent to Melissa with a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic congestion, tender and weak pelvic muscles, and my left leg was shorter than the right – which was causing back pain.  When I started therapy my pain was daily and an 8 out of 10.  I was angry, depressed, and didn’t think anything would help.  After three to four weeks of therapy with Melissa my days were relatively pain free; something I thought was not possible.  Melissa found that my left hip muscles were tight so with some stretching and other exercises she got it back in place and my back pain disappeared and hasn’t returned.  She gave me exercises and heat therapy for my pelvic floor and I haven’t felt this good in two years – after only six weeks of therapy!  Melissa was great.  She made me feel comfortable with everything we did and helped educate me further with my condition and why we were doing the therapy.  It’s been a great experience and I’m so thankful for therapists like Melissa.  It wasn’t always easy and there were ups and downs but now I feel great!  It was worth the work.  JS

A Patient with Pelvic Pain

I had an on-going problem with pain while having intercourse that just kept getting worse to the point of avoidance.  After numerous visits to my GYN doctor I was referred to Dr. Marvel MD.  After exam his diagnosis was pelvic spasms and I was referred to…Melissa Reinhardt.  With continued therapy by Melissa and exercises, I was able to have intercourse without pain.

Megan's Story

As a young woman with endometriosis and pelvic congestion, I felt my life was severly limited by the pain my conditions caused. For years I suffered without even knowing what was causing such anquish. When my pelvic pain specialist finally offered me a solution through pelvic vein embolization, I jumped at the opportunity to get my life back.

The pelvic vein embolization procedure is minimally invasive and has provided me great relief. During the procedure the doctor talks you throught the process and gets you feedback about the pain in order to treat the right area. In my particular case, they inserted tiny platinum coils into the inflamed veins to enable blood flow and to prevent the painful throbbing and cramping that I would usually encounter. The recovery was not bad at all - really it felt like mentral cramps - and I was able to return to normal activities within 2 weeks.

I cannot begin to express the relief I had when I was able to stand to teach my students and sit and have a conversation without cringing in pain. This procedure has made all the difference.

A Mans Story (A perspective from a patients greatful husband)

Jennifer,

My wife C.G. was recently a patient of yours. She told me that you asked her to tell you know how she was getting on. Well, I thought I'll let you know on her behalf. Let's just say that things have turned out very, very well. She "feels" great in may ways! Between Dr. W's skilled surgery and your assistance with physical therapy our quality of life is superb. I also have to thank C.'s relentless dedication to following your guidance in rehabilitating herself. I think this card "says it" quite well. I hope you enjoy the humor. Life is good!!

Sincerely,

R.G.

URINARY INCONTINENCE SUCCESS STORIES –

v    I am a 22 year old that has bladder incontinence – never thought someone as young as me would have this problem – but with the help of Melissa R. – I have overcome my problem.  I can laugh, workout, sneeze, without thinking, “Oh no!  What if…?”  I loved this experience just because I learned what I can do in the future to increase my bladder strength.

LYMPHEDEMA SUCCESS STORIES –

v    My experience…has been very positive.  I received PT…to treat lymphedema caused by axillary node dissection in the treatment of Breast Cancer.  The results of the treatment for lymphedema was more than I had anticipated.  My primary goal was to find a way to eliminate problems at night sleeping where I would wake up with pain and numbness on the right side.  Not only was this accomplished but I also have less swelling around the bra line where I was occasionally experiencing pain.  I also was very pleased to notice that my breast was softer and not so leathery.  I had thought the firmness in my breast was due to radiation therapy and didn’t realize lymphedema was causing a lot of this problem.  I now have home exercises to use for reducing the lymphedema and even my husband was shown techniques for helping the lymphatic flow.  I am also now equipped with exercises to help correct my poor posture which also contributes to the problem and has been a concern of mine for years.

v    After years of dealing with secondary lymphedema in my left leg caused by lymphoma, I had resigned myself to having a swollen, ugly leg.  Melissa’s dedication to helping me and her enthusiasm for the treatment process kept me coming back and getting great results.  She championed acquiring the home maintenance equipment and garments I need and has given me hope of perhaps even daring to wear “strappy shoes” again one day…for short periods of time, of course!  Thanks Melissa, you rock!!! With heartfelt thanks…

ENDOMETRIOSIS SUCCESS STORIES –

v    What can I say, you’ve changed my life!!!  A lot of what I’ve gone thru has been medical, but the physical therapy has been the icing on the cake.  It truly helped me so much to be where I am today.  I’ve been down a very long road and my road has had plenty of potholes.  (Physical therapy) and Dr. Marvel have brought me to happiness once again.  I really value your knowledge, expertise and guidance…For women reading this testimonial, I want to… give you some advice.  DON’T GIVE UP and follow everything your medical team says to do.  Ask lots of questions.  If you don’t understand the medical terms, ask for clarification and do some research on your own with the internet, library or friends and family.  If you have a medical professional who doesn’t give you the time to answer your questions or makes you feel silly or stupid, find another doctor/therapist.  Dr. Marvel and Melissa educated me, guided me and answered my many, many questions.  They have been my cheerleaders along the way when I have felt there was no end in sight…

IBS SUCCESS STORIES –

v    I am still trying to think of the diplomatic language I will use to tell my OB-GYN (20 years, 3 deliveries) how wrong he was when he said I was wasting my time with this.  First I learned so much about the muscular structure of my pelvis that I was able to explain mystery muscle spasms, hip pain, and sometimes even abdominal cramps.  I have an overactive bladder according to the urologist and I have stress caused IBS with constipation.  Learning the connection that a tight muscle in my (?What’s the nice way to say this?) butt had to several other areas of discomfort was fascinating!  Also feeling the relief from pain after just a few stretches was great.  My tip to other IBS sufferers: My large intestine still functioning for days if I ignore my diet.  Even though Zelnorm helps – if the right amount of food isn’t there – nothing happens.