This woman and I go WAY back, she was a mentor to me at my first "grown up" job out of college. Her story made me cry and also reminds me that you are your biggest advocate and that if you know something is not right, fight until someone listens.
Also, if you want to share your medical story email me at whenlifegivesyouendo@gmail.com
First let me start by saying there is hope.
When I first started having the feeling something was not right with my body, I talked to some friends, and then saw a doctor. I was luck to find a doctor that didn’t waste time finding the cause and treating it. He listened.
I had a laparoscopy and it was confirmed that I had endometriosis. We discussed treatment options and also the reality of the extent of the damage that had been done. He told me that I would never be able to get pregnant. This was hard to swallow. I started doing research on treatment options, alternative medicine, and therapies. Yes, I tried yoga and it did help - which back in the late 1990’s was not as mainstream as it is today.
For me, hormone therapy did not work. It doesn't work for everyone and that is ok. Nothing should be “one size fits all”.
I went years having the pain under control but then, I started having other symptoms - ones related to my bladder and digestive system. I went back to my doctor and we scheduled another laparoscopy to see what was going on. His initial thought was it had spread to my colon, bladder, rectum, and intestines but we needed a look inside to be sure.
I went in for the procedure and found it curious that the nurses kept coming back to me a drawing more blood. Then the doctor came in and told me we had to cancel the surgery because I was pregnant. WHAT??? Huge shock. You see, I had a boyfriend and was not using birth control because I was told I could not get pregnant. The doctor told me I was only about 2 weeks pregnant and to come see him on 4 weeks for an ultrasound. He told me not to get my hopes up because with all my issues, there was a high chance it would not stick. So for the next 4 weeks, I pretended nothing was going on on the outside and inside I was freaking out. 4 weeks later I had an ultrasound and the baby was happily growing in the center of my uterus - textbook placement - to my doctors surprise.
Yes, it is true that your symptoms lessen by getting pregnant but I don't recommend this path for everyone. First of all, pregnancy and parenthood come with their own set of stressors and pain. It is ok to not have kids. I know for some cultures and religions this is hard to take but it is true.
One thing they didn't highlight is that yes, pregnancy can give your body time to heal, but that doesn’t meant that it won't come back. For me, they did come back. About 5 years after my second son was born, I had a hysterectomy. That was 5 years ago and I am still recovering hormonally from it. It came with its own set of issues in that for me, we left one ovary but it decided to quit working and created havoc with my hormones. I have pain from all scar tissue from so many surgeries but that is helped by CBD oil. I now work with a naturopathic physician who goes a more natural route for HRT. It is helping but my journey continues. We are all a work in progress.
That’s my story! Here are some quick highlights for you to consider:
- You are not selfish or letting anyone down by focusing on taking care of yourself. If they feel that way that is their own issue not yours.
- If ANY doctor or medical professional EVER makes you feel stupid, find a new one. You know your body and know when something isn’t right.
- No one treatment is the cure-all for every person. We are all unique and therefore our treatment should be too.
- Be open to alternative medicine such as acupuncture, energy healing, medical marijuana, cannabis oils (CBD oil), meditation. There are treatments that have been around for centuries that may help.
- Speak up. You are your own best advocate.
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