Thank you Edelweiss Study for sponsoring this “My Journey with Endometriosis and What you need to know” post. Be sure to visit the Edelweiss Endometriosis Study landing page to see if you or a loved one qualifies to participate.
If you have been on my website before you might know, we are pretty active. Before the pandemic, we traveled weekly and participated in sporting events. But, when you suffer from Endometriosis, as I do, these everyday things are not always easy or possible. Endometriosis is a common, but truly misunderstood disease, that can affect any female who has menstrual cycles!
I personally have struggled with it since I was 18 years old. At first, it presented as pains in my female parts once in a while. Then it progressed to constant, and daily pains. Now clinical trials, such as the Edelweiss study, can help drive progress towards more successful treatment options that may make a difference for women living with endometriosis.
Over the years I have done these treatments in the hopes to alleviate the pain and discomfort. My doctors have been working closely with me as I present a few obstacles. I am extremely allergic to narcotics and pain relievers. I can name on one hand the amount I can use if absolutely necessary. Luckily, in conjunction with this, my body has grown a pretty high pain tolerance. What might be painful to someone else I can tolerate but when I do feel pain it’s excruciating. As my son got older it was harder to explain why Mommy could not do things because the pain was so bad.
Have you ever experienced Endometriosis pain? Don’t suffer in silence!! Dealing with symptoms that others might not understand can be frustrating, but you’re not alone. Trust me. I would also suggest looking into the Edelweiss study, to see if you could qualify to be a participant. It focuses on those of us who are living with moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. There is no medical cure for endometriosis, but there are many treatment options to greatly improve patients’ quality of life. Some ways of treating the symptoms include birth control, painkillers, hormone therapy, acupuncture, or even changes in your diet.
I tried several of these options with the support of my doctors. I wish I had reached out right when I was first diagnosed at age 18. It took almost ten years of living in pain before I finally took my health seriously and got answers!
Last year, I ended my struggle by having a full hysterectomy. After a 5-hour surgery, 23 stitches, 11 staples, 2 blood transfusions, I finally closed that chapter of my life. This is not an option for everyone and in my case, it was due to also having Cancer. I only share this part of my journey because I wished I hadn’t waited so long to get help! After a year to the date of my surgery, I am out visiting Sun Flower fields with my family!
Endometriosis is a common women’s health problem. I always felt like I was “broken” or something was “wrong” with me. I promise that is NOT the case. If you are suffering from this kind of pain and can’t participate in daily activities or even while having intercourse, reach out to your gynecologist. It should not always be painful. I spent so much time beating myself up, I truly wish I had read an article like this one, from another woman experiencing the same symptoms!
It is so common in women during their reproductive years no matter their race, age or socioeconomic status. You are NOT alone please speak up! I hope sharing my Journey with Endometriosis was helpful!
It is crazy to me how many women struggle with this. I know so many women personally who have endometriosis, and it is really hard on them.