As a urogynecologist, I’ve dedicated my career to helping women overcome the challenges of pelvic floor disorders. These conditions are often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and deeply personal. Last summer, on my very first day seeing patients at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), I met Carolyn Johnson, a retired operating room nurse who came in with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Neither of us knew at the time this meeting would mark a meaningful milestone for both of us.
A Fortunate First Encounter
Carolyn had been referred to me by her OB/GYN, Dr. Viengngeun Bounkeua, who recognized that her symptoms required specialized care. I could see Carolyn immediately. From the moment we began talking, I could tell she was knowledgeable and ready to take control of her health.
She asked thoughtful questions from a nurse to a doctor. I answered with in-depth details of her condition and the available pelvic health treatment options. When I recommended vaginal prolapse surgery, she felt confident moving forward; and just like that, Carolyn became my first patient at NGPG. I was honored to be part of her journey.
“It felt special knowing we were both starting something new,” Carolyn reflects. “Dr. Ansari was beginning her journey at NGPG, and I was stepping into retirement—ready to live life without limitations.”
A Milestone at Northeast Georgia Medical Center
We scheduled her surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin. Carolyn became the first patient I treated as a provider at NGPG in this state-of-the-art facility. It was also the first hysterectomy ever performed at that hospital, making it a historic and rewarding moment.
“I felt completely at ease,” Carolyn says. “The entire team made the experience seamless.”
Carolyn’s surgery, a vaginal prolapse surgery, went smoothly, and her recovery was remarkable. She was discharged from the hospital the same day and reported feeling 80% better within a few days. By her 6 week follow-up, she was fully recovered, with no signs of prolapse or other complications. Her experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness of pelvic health treatments when managed by a skilled urogynecologist.
Why Pelvic Health Matters
Nearly one in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime. These disorders can manifest in various ways, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and bowel control problems. Yet many delay seeking help due to embarrassment or the misconception that these issues are just a “normal” part of aging.
Carolyn’s story is a powerful reminder that pelvic floor dysfunction is not a life sentence. With the proper care, women can regain their comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
A Life Reclaimed
Today, Carolyn is enjoying retirement with her husband at their lake home in Dawsonville. She volunteers at a local food bank and lives without the discomfort that once held her back.
As a physician, there’s no greater reward than seeing a patient thrive. Carolyn’s courage to seek help and trust in me as her surgeon made all the difference.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, or other pelvic health concerns, remember that early intervention is key. Don’t wait. Talk to a urogynecologist. Healing is possible, and you deserve to feel whole again.