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February 21, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Into the Mist: Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

Endometriosis

To read more about my Endometriosis Journey, head here.

Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

This time last month, things were different. I was in constant pain, I had a hard time doing easy everyday things with my kids, etc. Now, I have a brighter outlook on the future and present. But talking to my kids about the hard days, the bad pain days, was something I never thought about. I honestly wasn’t sure if they’d really notice – but, of course they did.

It’s hard for my 6 year old to verbalize things sometimes because of his Autism, but all of a sudden, I started to get more attention from him, more hugs, more kisses, more attention in general. And my 4 year old was the same, except he was able to vocalize his concerns with me. 

Momma, why does your tummy hurt?

Momma, why do you have to see the doctor all the time?

Momma what’s wrong?

That last one though, the “what’s wrong” – my heart really sunk deep down into my chest on that one. How on Earth was I going to explain something as complex as Endometriosis and Interstitial Cystitis to my kids? My mind spiraled and I began to put so much pressure on how I was going to explain it, when in reality all I really needed to do was just open my heart, and start talking to them about it. I needed to say something.

Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

Some days Momma doesn’t feel good in her tummy.

The doctors are trying to help Momma feel better so she can run and play with you.

Momma has something called Endometriosis, and it makes her tummy hurt sometimes.

Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

These are all things that I said. I didn’t want to get too complex, I can explain it to them when they’re older. But I did want to lay the foundation because I think it’s important for them to be in the loop, and even thought I didn’t think they had any idea what was going on – they did, and it wasn’t fair of me to hold out so long without openly communicating that with them.

Once I finally let go of that heavy fear of holding the perfect conversation, it became easier for me to talk about and relate this to my kiddos. And you know what? They totally got it, in their own way.

Now on bad pain days, Wyatt kisses my stomach.

Because he gets that it’s hurting me, and as his crazy-sweet-and-loveable self, I should have expected it. 

Now on bad pain days, Levi gives me extra hugs, snuggles, and rubs my stomach.

He says he rubs my stomach because I rub his back when he doesn’t feel good – and that always helps him feel better.

Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

My kids, my family, they’re my whole heart. So why wouldn’t I be honest with them? To be 100% honest, since opening up and talking to the kids about what I was going through has only made our relationship stronger. It’s made me really cherish the good days, and I think they do too. I also love the fact that their first response to me having something wrong with me was to love me MORE. Man, does that feel good. Man, does it feel good to have kids with such great hearts – because all of that extra love and attention from them really has such a strong impact.

I never want them to feel like they’ve got to take care of me. I never want to hold them back from doing something just because I can’t. But the way they’re wanting to care for me, by doing little things – that really warms my heart. So, if you’re in the same spot as me, even if you live with something that isn’t Endometriosis or Interstitial Cystitis, if it’s depression, anxiety, anything – just be open to communicating that, even if it’s in the simplest terms, it’s worth it.

Because simply saying..

Some days Momma doesn’t feel good in her tummy.

The doctors are trying to help Momma feel better so she can run and play with you.

Momma has something called Endometriosis, and it makes her tummy hurt sometimes.

Speaks volumes.

 

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Trying to Explain Endometriosis to My Kids

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Hello, there! I’m Kendall and welcome to my little space on the internet. I’m a wife, momma to two adorable boys +  6 fur babies. read more

 

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💕and just like that, I’m on the list for endo 💕and just like that, I’m on the list for endometriosis excision surgery 💕

🏥 I’ve never had a full excision surgery done before. My past surgeries they’ve either burned off the endo, or have done a 50/50 of burning & excising (cutting out) the endometriosis. 

💛 And to be 100% honest, excision surgery is gold standard for treatment of endometriosis, but like a lot of things in healthcare, it’s not covered by most insurance companies, and it’s really, really expensive.

The burning of endo was covered, and was my natural default for so long because we simply couldn’t swing the price tag of excision surgery. It’s also very hard to find a doctor that even does excision surgery, my new doc that will be preforming this surgery is very experienced and has helped a lot of women with endo (lots of women who have had multiple surgeries, too) regain pieces of their lives. 

This upcoming surgery they will be doing the whole she-bang, fully excising the endometriosis, they’ll be collecting and sending in tissue samples, and I’ll get a more comprehensive look at what’s going on.

So while I’m nervous, I’m also really excited. Maybe this surgery will offer more than 3 months of relief, maybe a year - how INCREDIBLE would that be?! 🤞🏼 

I’ll keep you guys posted as soon as I get the call - in the meantime can you send out some positive vibes & prayers for a successful surgery? I’d really appreciate it! 💕

#endometriosis #endometriosisawareness #spoonie #spoonielife #chronicillness #chronicpain
👋🏼Hey, Michigan!✨ (ad)❄️Looking for f 👋🏼Hey, Michigan!✨

(ad)❄️Looking for fun things to do in Metro Detroit this winter? Check out my top 5 ideas for families including making a stop at @la_cafe_ for a delicious hot coffee or lunch before hitting the sledding hill at Waterford Oaks, one of the best sledding hills in southeast Michigan! 

⚡️Click the link in my profile to read the full article on @puremichigan and to see all of the small businesses featured that you can support! 

#suportlocalmi #puremichigan
✨ I take comfort in knowing that I hold the key ✨ I take comfort in knowing that I hold the key to my happiness, not my #Endometriosis.✨

🥊 And as much as it fights me, it’s ME that ultimately has the power to choose.

✉️ I can choose to be slipped into an envelope of darkness or break free like a bright firework exploding in the night sky.

💥 I’ll always fight to be the firework. 💥

💕 thank you @smilesandpearlss for capturing this moment of happiness.💕

🏷 You can instantly shop all of my looks by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app. @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKtravel http://liketk.it/39z9o
🌆➡️🌃 Which is more your vibe? Austin is 🌆➡️🌃 Which is more your vibe?

Austin is such a magical city! I had never been to Texas and even though the gals and I were just in Fri-Sun, I fell in love with all of the color & art!

Can’t wait to come back & visit another time - @clubwyndham thank you so much for hosting us, and for the incredible stay & incredible views! 😍

Sometimes I have to take a step back to soak it all in. I just never thought I’d have a life like this, with people like this. And my whole heart is just grateful.

If you’re reading this - I want you to know that you can have a big, beautiful life too. You can do the things you dream. All you have to do is believe and take that first step. I’m cheering you on! 💕

🏷 Follow me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to get the product details for this look and others. @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKtravel #LTKswim http://liketk.it/39tJ5
🐆 Cheetah Gals 🐆 ✨ After a long day of sh 🐆 Cheetah Gals 🐆

✨ After a long day of shooting content, we needed a dip in the pool at @clubwyndham. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it’s been just to relax with the gals in this beautiful location. And I just love this shot of my girl @smilesandpearlss & I! ✨

And something super cool - Wyndham created a special discount code for us to share with you that can be used on ExtraHolidays.com for 20% off  available resorts! 

OFFER DETAILS: Book & Travel by December 31, 2021. Mention code VACAY20. Two-night minimum  length of stay required. Valid for new reservations only. Reservations are subject to availability.  Reservations are not valid over holidays and special events. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 

#ClubWyndham #hosted 

🏷 Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKswim #LTKbeauty http://liketk.it/39mVt
🌃 city lights 🌃 @clubwyndham #clubwyndham # 🌃 city lights 🌃

@clubwyndham #clubwyndham #hosted #austintexas #austin #austintx
💕Ah, today was so cool! Taking over the @liketo 💕Ah, today was so cool! Taking over the @liketoknow.it IG was such an honor for us gals.

✨It feels so good to accomplish career goals with some of your very best friends by your side. I don’t know how I got so lucky but I’ll forever be grateful that @hellostefaninicole, @smilesandpearlss, & @anabeth.jpg came into my life.

💕 If you haven’t found your girl gang yet don’t worry - they’re out there! And you can always hang with us. 💕

I shared a few things that bring me joy on the LTK account but wanted to share them here, too. Drop me a comment if they make you smile! 

🐶 Puppy Breath
☁️ Big, fluffy, clouds
☕️ A good cup of coffee
😍 Any Kevin Costner movie (sorry, hubby)
🎶 Girl anthems 
🧀 Cheese
🌈 Rainbows
🌸 Pretty flowers
💕 All things PINK! 
☀️ Sunshine

🥰 You feel better right? 💛✨

🏷 You can instantly shop my looks by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app. @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKbeauty #StayHomeWithLTK http://liketk.it/38RKj
🎶 Let’s go girls 🎶 💕 We’re just 4 pl 🎶 Let’s go girls 🎶

💕 We’re just 4 plus size gals taking over the @liketoknow.it feed today & sharing what brings us joy! 

🌸 Be sure to hop over to show us some love and say hello! 👋🏼 

✨Side note: pretty sure @hellostefaninicole was singing Shania during this photo, too. ✨

🏷 Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKbeauty #LTKstyletip http://liketk.it/390rE
✨Monday Energy✨ Today my therapist and I were ✨Monday Energy✨

Today my therapist and I were talking about the power you have to see your glass as either half full or half empty.

I’m someone with anxiety, depression, and chronic illness - and balancing those while keeping a “half glass full” mentality can be hard. But it’s so necessary.

Here are some morning affirmations I plan on saying every day to keep a positive mindset, wanted to share them in case you want to try it, too!

✨I send love to every part of my body.

✨I am excited to wake up each morning to live this beautiful life I am creating.

✨Today i align myself with freedom, growth, and joy.

✨I give myself permission to go after what I want.

✨I am determined and will never give up.

(outfit pictured is part of my collaboration with @lanebryant that’s live on the blog right now) 💕
✨Saturday✨ today was a full rest day and I am ✨Saturday✨ today was a full rest day and I am so thankful for it! I soaked in the tub, did a face mask, and just relaxed with the fam. 

🍿 Tonight we’re making popcorn & having a movie night, starting with my fav 🧜🏻‍♀️ ✨& followed by King Kong (Wyatt’s pick). 🦍 

🐪✨ I am loving this new @printfresh robe -  it has a gorgeous blue camel print 😍 I’m sharing some other patterns in my stories for you & a discount code, too!

🌙✨Hope you have a great night! 

#printfresh #robe #ltkcurves
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