Hello, friends!
As many of you might know, I suffer from Endometriosis. I’ve wrote about it openly for some time now and just this summer I had the honor of sharing my story along with some other incredible women for a Women’s Health article. It sparked the urge to share more, to create more awareness. Because my journey has been hard, having Endometriosis for me is a daily struggle. I’ve had my ovaries and uterus removed which has put me in early menopause. I wake up in pain, and go to sleep in pain. It’s completely altered my entire life, certain plans I’ve had, dreams, everything – but I also believe I am strong enough to carry the burden, and I’ve been lucky enough to find ways to change those plans into new ones. There are millions of other women who are walking this same path right alongside me, and together, we got this.
1 | Heat
I never knew I’d crave heat so much. Heat is one of the amazing things that keeps me going, I have a heating pad that I use daily, it’s got this amazing fur cover on it so it makes me feel like I’m snuggling a cat. Funnily enough, I usually also attract my cats when I use it.
Also, when it’s 90+ degrees outside and you’re sitting in a bath filled with water as hot as you can handle it, you might have Endometriosis (said in my best Jeff Foxworthy voice). But, don’t worry – the feeling you get when your muscles relax in the warm water will make you forget about how much you’re profusely sweating.
2 | Yoga Pants
Oh, sweet yoga pants, life without you would just not be the same. I wear yoga pants nearly every single day, and it’s not just because I’m too lazy to put on jeans, it’s because those suckers are C-O-M-F-Y. They don’t push on your stomach (which already hurts) and they’re stretchy for the occasional bloating (more on that later). I like to add a pair of men’s Hanes sweatpants into the mix sometimes when I’m at home, just to spice things up. But, yoga pants have now become socially acceptable to wear in public, so I’ll be milking that for as long as possible.
3 | Bloating
Nope I’m not pregnant, I’m just incredibly bloated. Abdominal bloating is a common side effect of Endometriosis. It’s pretty much an asshole. It’s like bloating and Endometriosis made an evil pact to make women feel as unattractive as possible. “Hey, she’s in pain – why not puff her up like the blueberry on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, that oughta knock her down a peg or two,” seriously, asshole. Side note: yeah, I said asshole twice, big deal, I’ve earned the right.
4 | “Period” Comments
When having a conversation about Endometriosis with someone who has Endometriosis, please do not mutter the words “Oh, I have bad periods, too“. This is sure to cause the person you’re speaking to, to collapse in on themselves like a dying star and cause an emotional response similar to that of a black hole. If you’re unfamiliar with black holes, NASA has a great article << right there.
5 | Pain Management
Trying to find the right way to manage your pain is like going on a string of really, really bad dates. You begin super optimistic that they might be the right fit, but in most cases, they aren’t – and you have to try again and again. Surgeries, pain medications, treatments, therapies, these are all things us gals with Endo are fluent in. We attempt all of these to try and lessen the pain, not eliminate it, because in the back of our minds, we’ll always know there isn’t a cure, not yet.
My pain radiates. It starts off quiet and low in my abdomen and then gets louder, more sharp, more twisting, pulling, until it’s completely taken over. It’s like someone has ahold of my insides and they’re slowly wrapping them in barbed wire like you’d wrap a Christmas tree in lights. It’s the worst kind of pain, (and I delivered a 9lb baby).
Endometriosis has the power to pull you into a dark place where you feel completely helpless, don’t let it. When you’re living in the darkness you never have the chance to truly see the light. And although on most days it’s hard, keep going. 176 MILLION women worldwide have Endometriosis, and together, by spreading awareness, we can fight back.
Do YOU have Endometriosis?
Tell me about YOUR experience below!
Related Endo Posts: The Endometriosis War, Surgery, The Journey to Baby Number Two, The Secret is Out, The Procedure.
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I am so grateful I don’t have endometriosis. I have a friend who has it terribly, and she’s miserable so much of the time.
Yes, I have dealt with Endometriosis for more than 25 years. The years of 16-26 were the worst. I had surgery, injections, hormone replacement and naturopathic doctors. I took herbs, supplements, birth control and also developed fibroids. I got pregnant when I was 31 and it has been better the last 10 years. As long as I stay on birth control (hormones), I can keep the pain away.
Thank you for opening up about this subject. I don’t have endometriosis, but I had no idea about some of these things that occur with it. I think you’re incredibly brave for opening up about it. I hope this post helps others!
My friend has this disease. She is in pain most of the day. I sure hope it gets better for her, Thank you for explaining the details saddening disease
Great post. Hope you find some relief. I suffered from endometriosis for years. Horrible, horrible. So glad those days are long past now.
How did you get rid or slow it down ? I’m struggling with it
I so feel for people who suffer from that. I have a good friend with it and I know the pain can be just unbearable!
I had endometriosis for many years, I was diagnosed at the age of 20. My doctor was amazing and helped me conceive 2 children. During my first pregnancy I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. My second pregnancy was much better and I felt good, as the disease symptoms subside when you’re pregnant (for some, not all pregnancies).
By the age of 23, I had to have a radical hysterectomy (I have no ovaries or uterus). Both pregnancies were good, babies were born early, yet healthy. I was able to nurse my second child, but the pain was so bad that I knew I needed the hysterectomy soon, so I weaned her to a bottle at six months.
After this, I knew could not longer have children….I was depressed and felt lonely, as my husband wanted more children. This was a sad/depressing time…I felt like I wasn’t a “real” woman, but yet was happy to have the pain subside.
For the first year I took hormone replacement therapy, but that too began to cause problems. I developed lumps in my breasts and under my arms. We immediately stopped with the hormones and I feel into a deep depression…my husband of 10 years had affairs and blamed me…it was a rough time. During this time I put on 50lbs and felt like dying…no one should have to go through this!!
I’m now 36 years old. 12 years after my hysterectomy and completely off hormones. I do have hot flashes, but can manage them with diet and exercise. I’ve gotten a divorce after 16 years of marriage and have found an amazing partner who loves me the way I am…I’m still heavier than I’d like, but know I can do anything. In 2015 I was able to run 3 half-marathons…if I can…you can too!
Absolutely inspired by your story, Jayme, You are completely right – we CAN do this!
Oh my God you are my hero! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Laura! You are so sweet!
I don’t have Endometriosis..I didn’t really know much about it til I read your post. I’m glad you have got some good details and are opening up about it though!
I can relate to chronic pain. I love my heating pad, especially during the winter time. I wish that you could find relief.
This is a great story and explains a lot of what women go through with Endometriosis. The doctor thought I had it but when they went in they saw pulps all over in my uterus. They wanted to take out my uterus but I choose not too. Anyway I am so glad you are sharing your story and I know it will help others to know they are not alone in their journey. Thanks for sharing your personal story.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have endo as well and unfortunately I’ve suffered from chronic pain for decades and was just diagnosed with PCOS last spring and endo earlier this year. It’s been a terrible time and more terrible due to misdiagnosis. Thanks for sharing. – Yolonda
I’m so sorry to hear this! I’d love an update as far as where you are now and what treatments have worked/are working for you!
This is a great post with useful info. Sorry that you had to deal with painful Endometriosis. Sharing your personal story will raise an awareness
Itโs excruciating not only does my body remind me it wasnโt able to carry 4 of my pregnancies my legs ache and my lower abdomen feels like a scene from alien is about to go down i canโt use the bathroom with out feeling like Iโve gone in to labor with quadruplet baby goats trying to rip me into Iโm nauseous and nothing helps and honestly Iโm in to much pain to even cry
What a great post. I wish there were a solution for endrometriosis. It is such a painful thing to go through.
Please, if you have bloating, tell your gynecologist to get ultrasounds and a lab test called CA-125. Endometriosis Is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Bloating can actually be an early sign of it and is never a normal thing. I learned all this the hard way and am in chemo for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, stage 3 or 4. Clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas are especially related to endometriosis.
i agree, ca125 it’s a good starting point and a necessary test .. but,the bad thing about it is that endo itself can cause elevated levels. these issues are just plain difficult, from diagnosis to treatment.
sending you all the best and a quick recovery!
Completely agree, thank you for the support ladies!
I was diagnosed with Endo at 18. I had a hysterectomy at 27 (still have 1 ovary.) Since my hysterectomy, I’ve had the worst Endo flair up I’ve ever had. I was directed to a group that specializes in all things Endo. This group has given me so much hope. They’ve educated me more on the disease that has invaded my body. While there is no cure, there are a group of surgeons (less than 150 worldwide) that have made it their mission to help women like us! With Excision surgery, (not ablation) these women are getting their lives back! If you haven’t reaserched it, look into the Center for Endometriosis. I’m hoping to have surgery within the next year ๐ Good luck in your journey!
Thank you so much, Jamie! Best of luck to you on your journey as well – I hope you’re living life with less pain now!
I’m so glad you wrote this, my mom suffered from endometriosis for a very long time. I went to doctor appts. with her an witnessed her break down because she was suffering so badly. She also took a lot of time off of work becuase of what Endometriosis did to her daily life. I’m sorry you suffer from this.
Such a touching story, I bet your mom is so thankful you were by her side. It’s so hard to live in this pain and support is key to making it through, your mom sounds like an incredibly strong woman!
I’ve had it for as long as i can remember. My first period, i fainted in the middle of class. Each period thereafter was agonising and I would have to take sick days from school. I still sometimes have to take sick days from work because of the pain. I’m lucky enough to have a work mate that understands as I’m not overly comfortable talking to my male boss about it. My heat pack is my savior! That and dark chocolate!
Yes! Heating pads & chocolate DO help! The bad pain days are the worst, but thank goodness we have each other to keep each other inspired and motivated to live our lives to the fullest!
The doctors started suspecting endo with me a little over a year ago, but I couldn’t find a doctor that would do a laproscopy to definitively diagnose it. After a little over a year and eight different doctors, I finally had excision surgery a month ago. The doctor found stage III endo and removed it all. While I have been having surgical pains, it is nothing in comparison to the pain I experienced. Unfortunately, I just started my first post op cycle and while the pain is excruciating, I know once I get through the first few cycles, I’ll be fine. At least, I can hope.
I have endometriosis, I was diagnosed in January of this year 2016. I’ve already had 2 surgeries, they won’t remove my ovaries or uterus because they say I’m too young(27). I have had various treatments, and I see 5 doctors; did I mention that I also get pelvic floor therapy? I am a wife and a mother of 4 beautiful boys… I can’t always fulfill my wife duties, and mom duties… Forget it. It’s taken over my life and it’s not easy feeling like your body is trying to kill you. But in the midst of it all, I trust God and believe that some day He will heal me. Stay strong endo sister??
Yes, I know exactly where you are. I had my uterus removed and 27 and I regret it terribly. This disease makes life HARD but we can get through it with the love and support of our friends and family! xo
Hi ,i thought the heat thing was just me!!!Ive had brutal endometriosis for many decades.Im a stylist so am supposed to be happy and fun at work and when the pain,is-pulling at you and the nausea and dizziness make even standing up hard it hasnt been easy.Im on new drugs as all birth controls and ablation only seemed to buy you time .As a self employed stylist missing huge chunks of work for a hysterectomy seem unrealistic,but so is the silent epidemic that is endometriosis.May there be a permanent cure in our lifetimes….x
You need excision (with an endo specialist) to cut out the endo, ablation only burns off the very top of the disease. Also, unless adenomyosis is suspected, a hysterectomy, unfortunately, won’t fix the problem either. Endo is outside of the uterus so removing it has no real benefit.
Hi. I have endo. It is so bad. Keep getting cysts and the medication not working for me. Had 3 operations this year. Dr gave me a mirena the last operation. Not working yet. Was at the dr this week he told me that i wont be able to fall pregnant because of the endo and bicornate uterus. He want me to consider a hysterectomy. Im so emosional about it all. Will it really help?
In my experience, having my uterus and ovaries removed did NOT help the pain. If I could rewind the clock and not go through with the surgery, I would. :/
Having suffered with this since I was 21 (now 38) and having 14 operations and still not being free from the daily struggles it’s great to see people sharing there experiences as it really can be lonely disease that no one understands if you don’t suffer with it. Raising awareness and supporting fellow suffers is great xx
Exactly! It can be SUCH a lonely disease. I’m here for you!
Im not even sure what to say, except I am so glad i stumbled upon your story and everyone else who has replied. I am currently sitting in a hospital bed recovering from a hysterectomy where they have now found i have endo, it really does explain alot about the pain i have gone through. So I guess my journey starts in educating myself on ways to help me get the most from my life, sharing your story is a help.
I am so glad you found me! Please reach out if you ever want to chat! xo
Thanks for sharing your story.
It’s a long and painful journey we’re having.
I was depressed anฤ feeling lonely.
Reading your story and the comments give me hope.
I wish you all a good life.
I wish you a good life too! I know it’s hard, but we can do this!
I don’t have endometriosis, but I know all too much about it, because my daughter was diagnosed with it 6 months ago at age 14, after seeing many doctors and going through many tests. She loves stretchy pants and also dresses! It’s such a shame that it is such a misunderstood and difficult to diagnose disease. The effects are just devastating. Thanks for helping to spread awareness!
Age 14, I can’t even imagine. I would love an update to know how she’s doing now! <3
So just a little background story with me and my fun journey! So from the age of about 3 years old (according to my moms records) I have struggled with chronic Migraines (I promise I am getting to endo, hang in there.) I am talking 15+ migraines a month. Just barely this year my doctor and I figured out a well balanced combination that has knocked me down to <1 in the past 6 months.
Well my Periods have always been heavy and rather painful. The last 4 have hit with such a painful force that it has physically knocked me out of my chair, and to the ground. That was the first one. The following three have decided to all attack during the night waking me out of a dead sleep in tears. Medication barely dulls the pain. I have invested in the heat patches that I can wear under my clothes. Heat seems to be the only thing that helps. My doctor wants me to attempt at BC implant before doing lap surgery. My implant is scheduled for the 3rd.
If anyone has tips tricks or advice I would appreciate it.
I think birth control is definitely worth a try and helps many! How are you doing now?
Agony from first period at 12 years old in 1975. At 15 went to family doctor who gave me pain pills. They did nothing. I gave two of them to a pharmacist, saying I had found them in a friend’s jacket pocket and was worried about him. The pharmacist said, come back tomorrow. The next day he said ‘I don’t know what your friend thinks he is taking, but these are sugar pills.’ So began almost two decades of being dismissed, lied to and treated like a malingerer by doctors, teachers, employers, family, friends. Finally diagnosed in 1990. Cauterized. This did nothing to help. The surgeon said it was all over my bladder and bowel and fallopian tubes were stiffening. Was told if I wanted children, it would have to be in the next year or two as after that it would be impossible. Offered hormonal treatment to ‘turn me into a man’ for a year. Facial and body hair, voice changes, weight gain, acne a few of the side effects likely. I said no. Gave birth to my healthy baby son in 2000, with no fertility help. I am still suffering at 54, never missing a period ever, and they have been out of control heavy for about 5 years. Now use Depends Adult diapers as even maternity pads cannot cope. Hysterectomy not an option I was told a couple of months ago, endo too severe. Awaiting Myosure resection of a large fibroid and, if successful and ablation immediately afterwards. If not successful, I have no idea what’s next but I am sure it’s going to be painful and bloody forever.
I am so sorry to hear about your difficult journey with endo. How are you doing today? I hope your pain is lessened!
I have level 4 endometriosis and have had to have a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed as well, two years ago. I totally relate and empathize with you. Even worse, my docs said that even though my uterus and ovaries are out, severe endometriosis can cause further pain in my case for the rest of my life. They were right.
What I didn’t know (my pelvic pain didn’t improve) is that a lot of time people with endometriosis also have Interstitial Cystitis AKA Bladder Pain Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and/or Vulvodynia.
So, there’s something to explore if you still feel just as bad as before your surgery. Yes, life with this sucks bad, but we are strong (at least try our hardest to be).
Hi Katy, I completely agree. Together we have this!
Hi! Reading this was like reading something I wrote. Everything is my life everyday. My heating pad is always plugged in along with my blanket in the same spot. My Dr said he was 95% sure I had when I was 23 years old (after years and years of hospitals and drs telling me I had a “bad period “) and I finally had the surgery 2 years ago and had stage 3. I felt no relief. Some days are “ok” never good days though. This has been my battle for 18 years. On a daily basis I wonder and daydream if one day I will feel “normal” if I will know what it is like to not be in pain. Until then I try to treck on.
I have that same dream, I wonder if someday I’ll wake up and be pain free. I know it’s not likely, but we have to have hope!
This reminds me of my pain and struggles not long ago. Ladies do your research on Dr. Redwines theory of endo. I went to an excision specialist who trained under him 3 years ago and i was pain free after the surgery and have been since. There’s a handful of excision specialists in the world the have a 10-20% reoccurance rate. Im serious! Look into endopaedia.com that has new info and debunks the Sampson theory of endo. No, Lupron, pregnancy, or a hysterectomy will not help. Look into Nancy’s Nook group page on Facebook. It’s not a support group but it’s a group that educated women with endo. These things changed my life and it will for you too. Educate yourself! I went to awful doctors that gave me no hope for a pain free life besides taking hormones and drugs that I found do not help. There is hope! Educate yourself and your family and friends. Look into these things!
I have struggled hard with endometriosis for over 5 years now. This was totally refreshing and honest and it’s nice to read that someone else understands how it feels, even though I wish it on no one!
My doctor thinks I might have endometriosis. For the last ten years I let my family and friends made me think that my periods were like everyone else’s and my other chronic pains were just in my head. I thought I was just being dramatic.
I’m relieved to have my pain validated but disheartened because there doesn’t seem to be a lot I can do about it.
There is always the chance that treatment will work, some women are able to find relief, I hope you can, too! <3
I have just started this journey and I’m scared shitless. I have severe stage 4/5 like my obgyn called it. I’m alone. All of this hit me when I’m going through the hardest part of my life. A separation and now divorce. I’m scared because I don’t know what to expect and because they tell me I will never be able to have kids. Everything is wrong. My ovaries are big beyond belief and my tubes look bad along with my uterus. I’m just tired of so much bad news.
I am so so sorry, please reach out to me – I’d love to connect & chat more! [email protected]
I just found out I have it (had a lap done last Thursday), and I fit the stats of waiting years before diagnosis. Because of people like you sharing, I don’t feel alone. Thank you, it means the world to know that there are others fighting the same battle.
Yes yes yes that is exactly how I feel! Endometriosis is such a horrible disease! Every time I get a flare up B I have to fight to get out of that dark place and remember the good things in life. I couldnโt get by without my heating pad itโs a lifesaver. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I had surgery to remove my belly button a little over a year ago. My endometriosis decided that my belly button needed to be an outlet during my period. I would bleed out of my belly button and it would feel like my stomach was being ripped apart.
The doctor said this happens in less than 1% of women. He had the button tested after surgery and it indeed was due to endometriosis. Now I just deal with the horrible pain and huge blood clots regularly. I have found that just taking birth control to not have a period is the best for me.
Thank you for writing this. I know many women have it worse than I do, and things like this are needed to help all of us out here.
Endo is killing me having suicidal thoughts
Hi Senia –
I just sent you an e-mail, let me know if you didn’t get it. I’d love to chat! Hang in there, xo.
Thank you for sharing. Articles like this let me know I am not alone. I am currently on birth control which has helped a lot. I used to tell people its like I’m being stabbed with an ice pick everywhere so I completely related to your pain.
Hi what a wonderful platform I thought I was the only one suffered for this disease called endometriosis. I was dignosed with endometriosis 6 years ago and almost give up.Sometime when I am in pain I just want to take a knife and cut off the paining place. Each thank you all for you advice and word of encouraging.
Thank you so much for your kind words – I am so happy you found my blog! <3
I like the way you described the pain. Spot on
Prayers for all us endo sisters
Iโm almost 27 and was just recently diagnosed. For so long I thought (because I was told) that these things were normal. The blowing up like a balloon from eating certain foods, the pain on random days, the not being able to move from pain during a period. Iโm so sad that so many women go through this but the amount of support I have found and the amount of amazing women like you who share experiences and advice is truly heart warming. So thank you for this. โค๏ธ
Im 36 and I haven’t been diagnosed yet but I’m 99% sure its endo. Always had painful periods, throwing up, missing school/work and thought it was normal as my mom was the same. The last period I had, i ended up in the ER because i was having uterine contractions like i was in labour for 4 hours. I have a very high pain tolerance and unfortunately also a high drug tolerance so when they gave me an anti inflammatory, toridol, tylenol 3 and gravel it didn’t even take the pain away, just enough to take the edge off so I could actually sleep for the first time in 2 days. My OB was going to send me for surgery the first time I saw him but decided to change my birth control and have me take it nonstop (I haven’t had a period in over a year). I went off once just to see if anything changed (which it didn’t) and then the OB was suddenly convinced it was bowel related and sent me to a gastroenterologist who said it didnt sound at all bowel related. Ultrasounds show everything as normal and I have no idea what my MRI results said because no one has bothered to tell me or return my phone calls. I dont want to stay on the pill because I dont think it’s normal but no one will give me any pain meds that allow me to function during the week or two that I am incapacitated. I want to have kids and have no idea if that’s even a possibility and I am currently ignoring the whole situation because it’s easier when I am not having pain because of the birth control and I dont really want to think about surgery and infertility or miscarriage and an actual diagnosis. I know that’s really stupid but that’s where I’m at. Sorry for the extremely long rant :S
Thank you so much for sharing your story. And all the comments. I am almost in tears. You are all so brave and strong, this disease is no joke. I am currently on my 1st year journey of finding out whats wrong with me. And i hate to complain about my pain because it just feels draining and many other women will belittle it, like “you think thats bad, i had a cyst burst.” Or “try goi g through labor.” I had an urgent care visit, multipul doctors visits, yearly, multipul visits to the gyno after the yearly, an internal ultrasound and a catscan. And NOTHING. They even told me i was constipated after my catscan which wasn’t true. I think its just the normal bowel issues that most with endo suffer from. I know this by any means as bad as most of you, and i will have the laparoscopy done soon to get more answers. And being made out to feel crazy by the dortors is horrible, i feel so bad for the women who have had it for so long with no diagnosis.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I have been living in this nightmare since I was 16… currently 24. I have had over 10 surgeries, went through IVF, had ovarian torsion, had my right ovary removed, had my RAINBOW BABY BOY :), and still dealing with the debilitating pain everyday. Thank you for sharing some hope… Iโm stuck in the dark hole right now with the unknown of what the future holds cause I canโt imagine living like this forever… itโs not living… itโs surviving.
Hi! Iโm so grateful to have found this thread. Iโve very recently been diagnosed with endometriosis… November 21, 2018 to be exact after having a laparoscopy to confirm thatโs what I was experiencing. Truthfully, itโs something Iโve likely had all of my young adult to adult life given Iโve lived the hell for as long as Iโve had a cycle and can remember.
Aside from being diagnosed with endometriosis, it was discovered that I have a โflat-topโ uterus and a septum wall that runs down the center of my uterus. As if being told โyou do in fact have endometriosisโ wasnโt enough to hear in one day, right?! Along with my diagnoses, I was told that we have a year – two years to try for a baby, with little complications. Because my uterus is abnormally shaped, Iโm at extreme risk for pre-term labor and delivery, (aka: my babies will be premies) AND weโre at high risk for miscarriages. Stab my heart, yet again, right?
Iโm 26. My husband and I are still considered newlyweds (together 6yrs, married 3 this past August) and babies havenโt been on our agenda. We wanted to start trying when I turned 30.. he would be 36. Until now. I wonโt stop talking about it and he squirms at the thought right now. I cry. Every day. And Iโm not exactly sure why. Iโve had my cycle for the first time since my surgery and itโs been HELL. HELL. HELL. And I think thatโs one of the reasons I have been so damn emotional, because I subconsciously mustered up this idea that the lap would โfixโ me when in reality all it did was confirm that my periods would be hell for the rest of my lifeโ deal with it. And, hey, btw youโre on a timeline now if you want children. Those are mortifying words.
Please someone tell me it gets easier to accept. I donโt want to be sad. I donโt want to rush our lives. And itโs like no one understands unless theyโve been effected so your friends blow it off like itโs something silly and it makes it worse. Husband doesnโt know how to handle it, so you feel so alone.
Iโm sorry for the novel. Iโm just having a terrible night with accepting and understanding it all. Thanks for reading. Xo
Dear Megan, You need to see a doctor who specializes in endometriosis and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. I highly recommend mine, Dr. Camron Nezhat in Palo Alto, CA, near Stanford.
He also has a brother near Atlanta who is trained in this as well.
They both have very low recurrence rates of endo lesions post operatively, and many women have been able to conceive after surgery. He has piles of books in his office with letters from women thanking him for saving their lives and fertility. Please do not lose hope.
Also, diet, exercise and nutritional supplements such as Magnesium and iodine help a lot.
Ask your doctor about these.
Try to eat organic and grass fed meats.
Try to find a naturopathic specialist who can guide you along with your doctor on what to eat, supplements, etc. Yoga helps too.
Hang in there!
I was diagnose at the age of 23. I had my first period at the age of 12 but they weren’t really consistent i would have one every 5 months till i was 18. I got pregnant and had my son and started the birth control patch othro Evra . My periods got extremely heavy and i spotted constantly I went to at least 4 doctors till i found the one who believed me.
I got started on nasids pain relievers i tried everything my last option at that point was to try lupron. I got a 3 moth shot and it was hell! It was supposed to stop my bleeding and help the pain but instead i bled all 3 months straight . That iswhen i begged for a hysterctomy.
I was finally given on in 2017 at the age of 25. My uterus was mushy my right Fallopian tube was crushed . My cervix was always inflamed so i chose to remove that as well. I had stage 3 endometriosis. The lasted 6 months free of pain then the worse pain ever started to happen
I could barly get out of bed and walk. Against my better judgment i took lupron for the second time and it didnt do anything but make all my muscles in my body ache. I convinced my doctor to go in and take my ovaries. I had stage 4 endometriosis my whole pelvic area was encased in endometriosis. My right ovary was stuck to my pelvic side wall My left was stuck to my colon. What should have been a in and out surgery took 5 hours and i ended up staying in the hospital. I started hormone treat only because it seemed i had no choice
I am 27 . I had my most recent surgery Halloween 2019 i was still in pain. They found 3 cysts and a small nest of endometriosis Now i have to choose witch is the lesser evil. Estrogen or Menopause and the health risk it comes with at 27.
I just got diagnosed last year in June, two months before my 21st birthday. I’ve had horrible periods since I started when I was 13, I’d miss a week of school every month practically until I was put on birth control which helped enough. When I was 16 I started to get worse again, I had started making cysts and had one burst on me in class. So going to my Obgyn last year and him scheduling me for my surgery the first day we met was like miracle. After they removed the 3cm cyst from my right ovary they found endometriosis hiding behind it. Now it’s been at least 7 months since then and I’m starting to have problems again. He’s hoping birth control can help but I’m not too sure since it stopped working around 16 and yes I’ve tried at least 4 different ones(not to mention that my hormones are so wack that it doesn’t even fully regulate my periods).
How were you diagnosed? My practitioner did a hormone panel (bloodwork)โwould that have been enough to rule it out?
Hi! Iโm 20 years old and I was diagnosed with endo 3 weeks ago when I got an excisional laparoscopy! In august of this year my life drastically changed. I suddenly couldnโt eat most foods without having food poisoning-like reactions. I was having insane panic attacks and hot flashes. I had to move back home to see some doctors. Of course they told me it was just IBS, but I knew better because Iโve had anxiety for years with no issues like this. During the surgery, they put the mirena IUD in to work along with my oral birth control to essentially put me into an artificial menopause. Iโm doing much better! Iโm still on a very strict diet, but no heat flashes, panic, or massive pain episodes like before! Iโm hopeful that it wonโt come back and I can manage my symptoms to lead a โnormalโ life!!
Thank you so much for this article. I have known for almost 10 years that I have had endo, however I was only just officially diagnosed with a laparoscopy today. Your sense of humor is great and I feel like weโd be great friends!