For Jessica Engle of Centreville, life is about one thing: family.
“I would describe myself as a small-town girl, one who never ventured too far from home,” says the bubbly 35-year-old lifelong Queen Anne’s County native. “I’ve always felt comfortable here and it’s a great place to raise a family. It’s simple living, something I relish and enjoy.”
Engle, a senior contract coordinator for a major power company, and her husband, Jamie, have two energetic and active children, 12-year-old daughter, Haley, and eight-year-old son, Colby.
“My daughter plays soccer and my son competes in hockey,” Engle says. “I’m the mom who cheers during the games. I enjoy watching my children and they like seeing me on the sidelines.”
Even though the Eastern Shore is home, Engle and her family also enjoy getting away; whether it is taking a quick trip to the beach or vacationing on the white sands of the Caribbean.
Unplanned Life Changes
“If there is one thing I have learned, it’s that life is short and you have to enjoy it while you can,” Engle says. “You never can take tomorrow for granted because things can change.”
Things did change in spring 2020, while Engle was working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I realized I was having heavier than normal bleeding and my back began to hurt,” Engle explains. “At first I thought it was nothing because these symptoms would come and go. But soon I realized my condition was getting worse and things were different. I was fatigued all the time and missing out on family activities. I found myself sleeping more than usual.”
Be Empowered. Advocate for Yourself.
Engle first sought treatment from her OB/GYN. After an examination and a series of tests, Engle got great news—no signs of cancer and no findings that indicated another serious disease. The news that was more difficult to process was when her doctor told her she had unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding. It is a condition that is not uncommon in women, but that can be treated in a variety of ways.
“I was relieved I didn’t have cancer, but I still had this condition that left me feeling frustrated,” Engle says. “My quality of life was being affected and there wasn’t a clear, direct answer.”
“I was not interested in several of the treatment options offered to me because of potential side effects from the required medications,” Engle says. “I wanted to find a permanent solution, one that would allow me to feel better and resume spending quality time with my family.” Engle then began researching experts with experience in treating her condition.
Research is Key to Finding Answers
“Through my research I came across the physicians from Mercy,” Engle explains. “I visited their website and found stories about patients who had been successfully treated for everything from uterine fibroids to ovarian cancer and how they were able to resume their lives. That’s when I knew I found what I was looking for.”
Engle’s research led her to The NEIL B. ROSENSHEIN, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care at Annapolis where she was introduced to Dr. Beman Khulpateea, a Fellowship Trained Gynecologic Oncologist. Dr. Khulpateea’s expertise is in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries. It gave Engle the answer she needed—an ovary-sparing robotic-assisted hysterectomy.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery Offers Answers
“Robotic-assisted surgery is an ideal treatment option for many women who are suffering from gynecologic issues,” Dr. Khulpateea says. “It is less invasive than traditional surgery, yet allows us to perform complicated procedures like the one we performed on Jessica. For most women the recovery time is much quicker and they have less pain.”
Surgery to Sunbathing
Soon after her surgery and recovery, Engle picked up where she left off.
She is once again attending her children’s games and cheering them on from the stands. This past April, Engle and her family were able to vacation at the beach, just eight short weeks after surgery.
“Traveling was wonderful and I am happy we made the time to do it,” Engle says happily. “It was wonderful to see my family relax and have a good time. I would not have been able to take this trip without having had my procedure,” she adds.
“That’s our goal with every patient,” Dr. Khulpateea offers. “We want them to enjoy what makes them happy.”
“Spending time with family, doing what brings them happiness are all possible if they’re feeling healthy,” Dr. Khulpateea says. “Taking care of my patients means I’ll work with them every step of the way to find the best possible treatment. There’s no greater reward than to see my patients healthy, active and enjoying life.”
“Centerville Mom Doesn’t Stop Until She Gets Answers” provided by Mercy Medical Center.
