When I was growing up I always just thought, "wow being a girl really sucks." Yet I probably had endometriosis when I was fourteen but was misdiagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, instead. 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and are misdiagnosed every year, just like me.
What is endometriosis and why isn't it talked about more? Well, I can only answer one of those questions. Endometriosis is when your endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and can attach to your pelvic wall, and even some organs and your reproductive system.
Man, isn't it fun being a woman?
Symptoms are:
• Pain before and during periods
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Painful urination during periods
• Painful bowel movements during periods
• Other gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea.
I was recently diagnosed with it in the spring but was doing my homework, and symptom checking since late winter. I didn't have time for surgery because I had knee surgery that was much more important to me returning to school in the fall, so we tried this Lupron shot that put me into medical menopause. It actually helped take away the excruciating pain that I had that was causing me to be unable to sit, or lay down, vomit because the pain was so bad and almost ended up going to the ER because we thought I was having an epitomic pregnancy.
I'm not going to tell you to get the shot or not, but for me, it helped, but now it's not helping anymore. The cramping is back, the pelvic pain is back, and my options are a heating pad, icy hot and ibuprofen, and when you're in chronic pain ibuprofen is like popping a vitamin in the morning.
Why am I writing this article and complaining? Your pain is valid. I hear you.
I am told all the time to just take an ibuprofen and go to class when somedays I can't even get out of my bed to get the ibuprofen or my heating pad. People who don't believe you, and think you're making up an excuse are people you don't need in your life. I know that sounds cliché but I'm serious.
You need people by your side because endometriosis is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting.
I am so lucky to have my boyfriend by my side, even for just the support in a distance. He is my sunshine on days I feel like curling up in a ball and never leaving my dorm room. You need some sunshine, damn it, you deserve the sunshine.
Just because you have chronic pain doesn't mean that you aren't human too. If someone broke an arm their friends and family would be like, "Oh my I am so sorry are you okay?" But instead for the chronic pain category, it's almost the opposite.
I want you to know you're not alone. There are options, and support, Facebook groups, twitter communities and empowering posts even on Instagram. Take care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally, eat right, don't push yourself, try to do physical activities and try to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
If you think you have endometriosis write down your symptoms and go, see a doctor. You deserve a somewhat pain-free life, and to enjoy life the best that you can without being miserable and in pain 24/7.
