In this episode of the Private Parts of Wellness podcast, Jessica Jolie discusses the complex interplay between surgery, emotional well-being, and women's health. She explores how major surgeries can impact intimacy and emotional health, the gut-brain connection, the role of hormones in recovery, and the significance of understanding the polyvagal theory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing both emotional and physical pain, particularly in relation to heart health, and offers practical steps for healing and support.

TAKE THE SEXUALITY & THE HOSPITALIZED PATIENT SURVEY

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing After Surgery

02:39 The Impact of Surgery on Intimacy and Connection

04:54 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

07:22 The Role of Hormones in Recovery

09:51 Exploring the Polyvagal Theory

11:58 Emotional Pain and Its Physical Manifestations

14:12 The Heart's Role in Women's Health

16:24 Addressing Cardiac Depression

18:52 Personal Reflections on Hormone Therapy

20:44 Healing the Triangle: Heart, Gut, and Hormones

22:42 Practical Steps for Recovery

24:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

References:

• ACEs and IBS (2022 Study)
  “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome”
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9270910/

• Polyvagal Theory – Deb Dana and Stephen Porges

  • Official resources and practitioner tools: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/

  • Scientific overview: Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-regulation

• Takotsubo Syndrome (Broken Heart Syndrome)
  Mayo Clinic overview:
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndrome

• Tylenol and Emotional Pain – NYT Article
  “Can Tylenol Heal a Broken Heart?”
  https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/fashion/breakups-rejection-neuroscience.html

• Women and Heart Disease – Cleveland Clinic
  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-things-women-should-know-about-heart-disease

• CDC – ACEs Study Overview
  https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

• Estrobolome and Hormone-Gut Axis

  • Article on estrogen metabolism and the microbiome:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5541407/

  • More functional medicine perspective: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/the-estrobolome/

• SpeakPipe – Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
  https://www.speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellness

• Books Mentioned

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

  • Healing Sex by Staci Haines

  • Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski