My Journey with Endometriosis

What is Endometrosis and why do I want it a part of my teaching blog? Endometrisosis (Endo) is a condition in which tissue similar to that the uterus sheds grows on your organs. It can grow anywhere from one's bladder, stomach, kidneys, liver, filopian tubes, diaphram, uterous, etc.. The only way to diagnosis Endometiroisis is through a surgical Laproscopy. I recently have recieved my official diagnosis via surgery and let me tell you its a whirl wind of emotions! Ever since I begun having my period they have been heavy and painful. In early High School I started having Ovarian Cysts. I started birth control pills at a young age to counteract the cysts and to help with my periods. However, over the past fews years the pain had gotten worse. We are talking curled in a ball crying in pain for a few days every time I would have my period. A heating pad, Midol, and Ibuprofen didn't touch it. For Christmas two years ago my mom got me a tens unit called "My Livia" that has been the only thing that is able to keep the pain minimal enough for me to work when I am having a flare up of cramps.

I consulted my primary doctor a little over a year ago about figuring out why I continue to have daily pain in my side due to my Ovarian Cysts. It bothered me that we knew I had these but didn't have any answers as to why. She ordered a ultrosound cause I hadn't had one in a few years to check on the cysts. The untrosound came back clear and I was even more confused. She asked about a referral to an OBGYN. I wanted answers so I accepted. The OB wasn't even two minutes into her exam and asked if I had heard of Endometriosis. I had done my own research and had known about it and suspected it but to hear her say those words hit me hard. Maybe it wasn't just all in my head? She worked with me for over a year to prolong the time before sugery. I tried the IUD for the pain and went to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy but after a year of it not seeming to help very much I reached out to my OBGYN again. Always remember YOU are your biggest advocate and to never downplay your health! She requested I make an appointment to discuss surgery or possibly some pain mangement options. I ended up seeing one of her colleuges who also said she would be surprised if it wasn't Endo so we scheduled surgery. Waking up and hearing that they found Endometriosis and that I wasn't crazy was such a relief! However, it leads me on this new path of life to try to manage it. Unfortunately Endometrisosis grows back and there is no cure. She also had to leave two spots due to them being in high risk areas. With that being said I am excited to included some healthy living tips, not only just for those with Endo but for everyone, in this blog! Eating habits, working out and mental health are the only ways besides surgery to help live with Endometriosis. I can't wait to share more with y'all as I go along this new journey!

~Marissa