A Wichita woman’s journey of finding comprehensive women’s care at Via Christi

For years, Teresa Phillips suspected something was wrong. She experienced painful, worsening periods throughout her 20s, but her concerns were often dismissed. Doctors told her the symptoms were "normal" or that nothing could be done. Despite how she felt, she lacked answers—until she met Dr. Elizabeth Cox, OB-GYN at Ascension Medical Group Via Christi OB-GYN in Wichita, Kansas.

A doctor who listens

After a heartbreaking miscarriage in July—just a month and a half after marrying her husband, Matthew—Teresa was referred to Dr. Cox for a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to gently scrape the lining of the uterus to check for and treat problems. It was during this appointment that Teresa opened up about her history of pelvic pain, irregular periods and suspicion of endometriosis.

Dr. Cox listened. She took Teresa’s concerns seriously and ordered imaging and a diagnostic laparoscopy. The result: Stage 3 endometriosis, a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and sometimes infertility.

“I had always heard my Pap smears were abnormal,” said Teresa. “But previous providers didn’t find anything concerning in biopsies. Dr. Cox looked deeper.”

Finding pain relief with a procedure and treatment plan

In September, Dr. Cox performed excision surgery to remove the endometrial lesions. This advanced surgical approach is considered the gold standard for long-term symptom relief and fertility improvement in women with moderate to severe endometriosis.

After surgery, Teresa and Matthew began trying to conceive again—but with no luck. Her pain slowly returned. Dr. Cox prescribed letrozole, a medication that induces ovulation and improves fertility in women with endometriosis.

Teresa became pregnant immediately after starting the medication.

Compassionate care throughout the high-risk pregnancy

Teresa’s pregnancy was not without complications. Around six weeks, she experienced a subchorionic hematoma (SCH), a condition where blood collects between the uterus and the gestational sac. She sought out blood testing to determine her blood type. As an Rh-negative mother, she needed a RhoGAM injection to prevent her body from developing antibodies that could harm her baby or future pregnancies. She also experienced preeclampsia, a condition during pregnancy where a mom’s blood pressure gets too high, which can be dangerous for both her and the baby.

Dr. Cox monitored her closely with frequent ultrasounds and appointments, calming her fears and ensuring every precaution was taken.

“She was always calming my nerves. I knew I was being heard, not dismissed,” Teresa said.

Having dealt with anxiety and depression related to chronic pain, Teresa needed extra support. Dr. Cox worked with her to manage her mental health during pregnancy, prescribing a low dose of anti-anxiety medication that allowed her to stay calm and healthy throughout her pregnancy.

“Dr. Cox understood that I was dealing with more than physical pain—she helped me manage it all,” said Teresa.

Physical therapy for pelvic floor and chronic pain relief

Teresa was also referred to physical therapist (PT) Amber Droegemeier, who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, after a car accident in 2020 left her with lingering hip and shoulder pain. Teresa described her PT experience as personal, empowering and even enjoyable.

“Amber is so kind and personable—she feels like a friend. She makes it comfortable and focuses on my strength and goals,” Teresa shared.

Amber customized Teresa’s exercises for the gym and at home, helping her heal while preventing injury.

Emergency care for an early delivery

At 35 weeks, Teresa’s blood pressure suddenly spiked to 146/87 during a physical therapy session with Amber. She began seeing black spots and felt dizzy. Amber acted quickly by calling 911, notifying Via Christi St. Joseph’s NewLife Center and emergency department, and ensuring Teresa was taken straight to labor and delivery.

Within 30 minutes, Dr. Cox was by her side. Teresa’s baby was transverse breech, and a C-section was performed.

“They told me the baby was coming a whole month early, but I knew I was in the right hands,” Teresa said.

Her son, Silas, was born healthy, didn’t require NICU care, and they spent five days in the hospital as Teresa was monitored for severe preeclampsia.

Even during their hospital stay, the nursing staff stepped up. One of the nurses offered to feed the baby overnight so Teresa and Matthew could get some rest. Teresa leaned on the hospital’s Lactation Clinic team to for support due to Silas’ early arrival.

Postpartum support and pediatric care under one roof

Teresa chose Dr. Elaine Herrington, a pediatrician with Ascension Medical Group Via Christi on East 21st Pediatrics, to care for her newborn. When her son developed RSV and lost weight, the care team responded quickly, providing suctioning care to clear his airways, and sending them with samples of formula, at-home suction kits and ongoing monitoring.

“Having care under one roof, with online messaging and same-day responses, made such a difference,” said Teresa.

Her son also received pediatric physical therapy for torticollis, a condition where the head or neck is tilted or rotated to one side, at the Ascension Via Christi Therapy Center on St. Francis. While at the hospital, she stopped by the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother and a priest prayed over her son and gave him a blessed medallion.

Teresa returned to physical therapy with Amber when her baby was just a few months old.

“I like to come back—it feels like family. I even asked Dr. Cox for a referral back to Amber. Now I’m doing weekly sessions, working on my core, hips and balance.”

Amber’s assistant, Holly, also became part of Teresa’s support system. She helped keep baby Silas busy as Amber and Teresa worked on pelvic floor therapy. 

“It really does take a village,” Teresa said.

Personalized OB-GYN care close to home

Teresa wants other women to advocate for themselves.

“If you’re not being heard, get another opinion. I knew something was wrong for years, but I was brushed off until I met Dr. Cox,” she said. “You know your body. If one doctor isn’t a fit, there are others out there who will listen.”

At 30 years old, Teresa may still need a hysterectomy one day. But for now, she’s grateful that she had the chance to become a mother, with the right team by her side.

“Dr. Cox gave me options. She talked to me, not just my chart. She made sure I was making the decision that was right for me.”

Learn more about personalized labor, delivery and postpartum care, including specialized care at Via Christi’s Level III NICU, at Via Christi St. Joseph NewLife Center in Wichita.