First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Ashley. I am a stay-at-home mom and wife. My son is 5 years old. I had my son back in January 2009. I went for my checkup 6 weeks after I had my son, and my OB/GYN said that she noticed I had endometriosis, so she scheduled me for Laparoscopic surgery, which I had in May 2009.
During my recovery in the hospital, she mentioned that she didn’t get all the endometriosis out, but she got some and it was still active. I have always had irregular periods and heavy, painful periods since I was 15, and I never thought they would get as bad as they are now. I went to my new gynecologist that I have now and told him that I am have my periods so close together and that they are much heavier than they have ever been. My husband and I are also trying to conceive, and we are so frustrated because it’s been over a year since my doctor took out my IUD. We should have gotten pregnant by now, but nothing, so now my OB/GYN is sending us to a fertility specialist to see if we, or should I say, to see if I can have any more kids. During all this, he mentioned in our conversation at the doctor’s office that if I can’t have anymore children, the alternative is to have a hysterectomy.
I came home, and ever since my doctor mentioned hysterectomy, my mind has been racing. I immediately went into the what-if mode and became depressed. I want to give up and say, ok let’s do the hysterectomy because I am tired of being in so much pain every time I get my period. But at the same time, I want to have at least one more child.
So I am going to go to my appointment with the fertility specialist to see what they say and then go from there. My mind is racing so much, I feel like it’s going to explode. And I am constantly having this thought that, if I have a hysterectomy, I am going to feel like less of a woman because all my lady parts are going to be gone.
I just wish there was a cure for endometriosis, so us endo sisters won’t have to suffer in pain anymore. Thank you for letting me share my story and for letting me ramble on.
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL, CLAIM YOUR POWER!
Ashley
Indiana
Submitted 09/09/2014
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
So sorry for you endo, Ashley. I, too, have endo and have had pain and issues for 43 years. I have had several surgeries, including a hysterectomy. For me, the hysterectomy did not end my endo pain. I, obviously, have no more periods but still have pain. I just want you to know the hysterectomies don’t necessarily cure endo. It helps many women but not all of them. Just fyi. (Not to be the bearer of bad news but just want you to be aware of the possibility). I’m sending prayers your way!
Always keep hope and don’t get to stressed (I know easier said then done) it doesn’t help your health. I’ve been fighting with endo for about 10 years and have had multiple surgeries and been trying for a second child during that time. I hope your road isn’t as long and exhausting as mine was. But after 9 years of trying we are finally pregnant. But it was after I was told it was to dangerous for me to get pregnant. It was a complete surprise. Just take it one day at a time and whatever the outcome be thankful for the little man you have because the thought of my 10 year old daughter kept me going at times. Stay strong and know your endo sisters are here for you