Off Subject, But Must be Said!

Today’s post is not only off-topic, but posted on a day I won’t be usually posting anything. However, this topic must be said. Just a little warning, this is a “girly” subject. But guys, don’t go away just yet, because this could apply to a special lady in your life! 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Now, if you don’t know what endometriosis is, allow me to explain. Endometriosis only occurs in women and is when the tissue normally lining the uterus, grows outside, typically on the outer uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic wall, rectum, and/or the bladder. This disease can often, but not always, cause pelvic pain (especially during menstrual periods and/or sexual intercourse) and infertility. Ultrasounds  and sometimes pelvic exams can diagnose endometriosis. However, having diagnostic surgery is the only way to comfirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, endometriosis is incurable. There are procedures that can remove the excess tissue in hopes of alieviating symptoms or in a woman’s effort to become pregnant. 

More on a personal note, I have battled with endometriosis for roughly two years (even though I was only diagnosed with the disease this past October), as well as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which I was diagnosed with in 2012 (but that’s another story). I was prescribed birth control pills to help the PCOS, but the pill was not right for me. I struggle to remember to take pills, and as soon as I missed one, I would get my period the very next day and have EXCRUCIATING cramps. And since I started having menstrual periods, I’ve had these torturous, immobilizing cramps accompanied by extreme mood swings, unbearable nausea, and general ickiness. And so, I had to choose between the shot or impant for birth control. I chose the implant.

Two weeks after I got the impant (and a week into my senior year of high school), I began having these excruciating, cramp-like pains in my pelvic area. These pains were so bad, I couldn’t walk. Since I couldn’t walk, I was unable to go to school. This made the first semester miserable. But thankfully, with the support from my parents, family, teachers, and boyfriend, I made it through. I had surgery in mid-October to confirm endometriosis. Normally if the doctor finds endometriosis, they’ll do the best they can to remove it. However if it is removed, endometriosis can still grow back. My doctor did not remove any endometriosis, since mine was in too small of spots to be removed. Thankfully, sometime after Christmas, my pain eased up to the point where I could go to school regularly again. I wish I could say what eased the pain, but unfortunately, my pain just comes and goes. Nothing really seems to help, but nothing seems to make it worse either. 

Now, all I can do is hope that a cure will be developed. Because no woman should go through the physical and emotional pain of endometriosis. For guys out there, be there for these women, whether it’s your girlfriend, wife, daughter, mother, or a good friend. For women out there, be strong and know you’re not alone. 💛💛💛

That’s all I have for today, wear yellow for Endometriosis Awareness Month, and normal posts will resume on Wednesday!