# 57 - The Gut Knows: Trauma, Surgery, and the Strange Path to Healing

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 SURVEYChapters00:00 Introduction to Healing After Surgery02:39 The Impact of Surgery on Intimacy and Connection04:54 Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection07:22 The Role of Hormones in Recovery09:51 Exploring the Polyvagal Theory11:58 Emotional Pain and Its Physical Manifestations14:12 The Heart's Role in Women's Health16:24 Addressing Cardiac Depression18:52 Personal Reflections on Hormone Therapy20:44 Healing the Triangle: Heart, Gut, and Hormones22:42 Practical Steps for Recovery24:59 Conclusion and Call to ActionReferences: 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 PorgesOfficial resources and practitioner tools: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/Scientific overview: Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-regulationTakotsubo Syndrome (Broken Heart Syndrome)Mayo Clinic overview:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndromeTylenol and Emotional Pain – NYT Article“Can Tylenol Heal a Broken Heart?”https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/05/fashion/breakups-rejection-neuroscience.htmlWomen and Heart Disease – Cleveland Clinichttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-things-women-should-know-about-heart-diseaseCDC – ACEs Study Overviewhttps://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.htmlEstrobolome and Hormone-Gut AxisArticle 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 Podcasthttps://www.speakpipe.com/privatepartsofwellnessBooks MentionedThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkHealing Sex by Staci HainesCome As You Are by Emily Nagoski