My Endometriosis Story: Journey through Pain

Today, I’m sharing something more personal or perhaps painful. My life with Endometriosis.  I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago. Symptoms like painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and excessive bleeding (menorraghia) disrupted and sometimes crippled my normal daily living.

I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago.

Whenever people asked me about my condition, most of them have no idea about it. They’re far more clueless here in the Philippines, where more “popular” diseases are given focus. And I’m hoping that sharing my story will help others and bring awareness to this incurable condition.

Endometriosis affects one of ten women in the reproductive age or roughly 176 women million are affected around the world.

It is considered incurable since there’s no specific cure available and it takes an average of 7 years to diagnose this condition accurately. The options available to manage discomfort is either to take hormonal therapy which I’m now having or surgically removed it (hysterectomy).

Sometime ago, I underwent surgery and laparoscopy to removed some cysts and adhesions in my body. Biopsy revealed the cysts to be non-malignant and everything seemed to be a temporary ease. For about a year I was relieved of discomfort. But even before I thought I’m “Endometriosis-free” my menstrual pains hit again. This time coupled with headache, dizziness and weakness (malaise).

I went to see a new Ob-Gyne here in Cebu because we reside here already. She reminded me that this condition is lifetime unless I’ll have hysterectomy or early menopause. I was given two choices – oral hormonal therapy or via injections. I opted for the least intimidating one – oral therapy. This, according to my Ob-Gyne will control my hormones in revolt. The recent ultrasound displayed new cysts on both ovaries, Fallopian tubes adhering to the ovary/uterus, and uterus grew slightly bigger.  It sounded familiar to me, or maybe I’m already immune with medical revelations as such. What my doctor did to me after this disclosure was heart-warming, she gave me a hug that comforted me up to this very day. I wish all doctors are like her…

Months of therapy, so far, pains feel bearable. Occasional headaches but I guess that’s due to my allergic rhinitis. I’m gaining weight, oh no! But I prefer this than excruciating pain, for sufferers like me this is much better.

– for sufferers like me this is much better.

Story continues on next post…

Thanks for your time,

mitch.e

References:

http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/facts-about-endometriosis/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

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My Endometriosis Story: Post Op