Cassie Pickrel gave birth to two miracle boys 18 months apart. Both babes still donned diapers when Cassie found herself at an all-time physical low — she felt exhausted and suffered from constant, debilitating pain.
“And let’s face it: There’s no stopping for a mom when she’s in pain,” Cassie said.
Cassie had received an endometriosis diagnosis when she was 15. Endometriosis is an agonizing condition in which a special type of tissue grows outside the uterus when it’s meant to line the inside of the uterus. The misplaced endometriosis tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, causing painful periods and wreaking havoc internally. In advanced cases, the bleeding tissue causes organs to stick to each other, disrupting normal organ function.
By 34 years old, Cassie hemorrhaged hard during her monthly menstrual cycles. Plus, her kidneys, livers, bladder and bowels began malfunctioning. She had lost all control of her bladder, experienced extreme pain during bowel movements, and often woke with deep chest pain on the right side.
“I just felt defeated,” Cassie remembered. “Thankfully, I saw an incredible nurse practitioner who told me she thought all my issues were related to endometriosis. She was the first person to say I shouldn’t be feeling this way, and she suggested I look into endometriosis surgery. Really, she started my whole journey.”
Finding the right physician: Interviewing across 6 states and finding a compassionate expert
As a self-proclaimed researcher, Cassie searched and studied everything she could about endometriosis surgery. She discovered an online community with a wealth of information, including a list of surgeons recommended by endometriosis patients and physician colleagues.
“From that list, I interviewed 6 physicians — from Colorado to Utah to Alabama to Georgia. I was willing to go anywhere,” Cassie said.
During Cassie’s research, she learned about the advanced capabilities and medical experts at Lone Peak Hospital in her neighboring state. She spoke with Dr. Jay Arrington, a renowned expert in this area who has treated simple and complex endometriosis for more than 20 years.
“He’s literally an angel on earth,” Cassie said. “He felt like someone I’ve known forever. He’s extremely knowledgeable, but he can explain in a way you understand. And even though he’s a man, he has seen this disease throughout his entire career, so he knows what we’re going through. He doesn’t gaslight; he sympathizes and recognizes the discomfort this disease causes physically and emotionally.”
Traveling 7 hours to Lone Peak Hospital: “100 percent worth it!”
Cassie and her husband Tyler drove January’s winter roads for 7 hours to get from their red angus cattle ranch in Moorcroft, Wyoming, to the surgical expertise and advanced care at Lone Peak Hospital — and she said it was “100 percent worth it!” After meeting with the experts virtually, the plan was set: Cassie would travel for her first in-person appointment to review the imaging — colonoscopy, endoscopy, MRI and CT scan — with surgery scheduled for the very next day.
“We discussed plans for the surgery and different possibilities I could face. Dr. Arrington helped prepare me mentally, emotionally and physically. From a medical standpoint, he explained everything he saw and what he recommended, but ultimately, he left decisions up to us, which was phenomenal!” Cassie said.
Due to the extensive nature of the disease and the severity of symptoms she experienced, Cassie opted for a radical hysterectomy during her endometriosis surgery. She said she felt thoroughly prepared for the surgery and looked forward with hope and trust.
Removing endometriosis, receiving hope: “It literally gave me my life back!”
“On surgery day, from start to finish, the people at Lone Peak Hospital were amazing. The nurses kept a close eye on me and anticipated my needs … and the surgical assistants kept my family updated throughout the process.” Cassie said.
During the advanced, minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Arrington used an innovative robotic surgical system to remove endometriosis tissue. Cassie describes endometriosis like a weed system with intwined roots – stressing that it’s essential to not just remove the stem and the leaves but the entire plant.
“All of my reproductive system was caught up in a big ball of gummy mass. My cervix had adhered to my rectum, bladder and bowels. My bladder was attached to my uterus and fallopian tube. It was like a spider web of legions that attached to my reproductive organs, kidneys, liver and grew all the way up the right side of my diaphragm,” Cassie said. “Not all endometriosis surgeons will work on the bowels and diaphragm, but Dr. Arrington is skilled and willing to do both. I am so thankful for him.”
When Cassie awoke from surgery, she immediately felt a positive difference. In fact, she broke down in tears — the happy kind — at the results.
“I woke up and felt 20 pounds lighter! It felt like 20 pounds of negative energy was removed. I started crying because, for the first time in a very long time, I wasn’t in pain,” Cassie said.
It’s been two years since her surgery, and Cassie says the transformative impact of the surgery continues to astonish her.
“It literally gave me my life back! have more energy, more mental clarity and I’m pain free. Plus, I am down 30 lbs. I haven’t looked this good or felt this good in 20 years!” Cassie said.
With renewed health and strength, Cassie enthusiastically recommends any woman suffering from endometriosis to pursue relief.
“Do you want your life back or not? I tell my friends and anyone who will listen that they need to advocate for themselves. I say, ‘Take me to Lone Peak Hospital’ because I know — 1oo percent — that they give exceptional care.”