I remember my first period. How could I not? The majority of my day was spent right next to the toilet in withering pain, with cold sweats and vomiting. This went on for around 2 years. I was experiencing terrible pains every month and, not only when I was on my period, but at any random time! The pain started to become too much for me to handle, and no amount of over-the-counter pain killers were even taking a tiny but of the pain away. So I decided to visit my doctor, who referred me to specialists. They told me it was all in my head and that I was somehow thinking up the pain on my own so my body actually thought it was going through a hard time.
Fast forward to about 8 months ago. I got a huge surge of pain that landed me in the emergency department (I can’t count how many times I have visited that place) and an internal scan was ordered. To make a long story short, it was found that I had a large dermoid cyst on my left ovary and quite possibly endometriosis, since I had recently found out my cousins had it. So I had surgery to remove the cyst, and it was confirmed I had endo, stage 3. This was October last year, and I dread the day when I get those massive pains back and knowing I will need another lap. But being able to relate with other beautiful women who have and are suffering from the same chronic illness and are still being incredibly strong is such a big influence for me. I fear for not being able to conceive children and having a family of my own. The best thing I can do is hope for the best as well as doing everything I can to stay healthy and be as active and positive as I possibly can.
Brie
New Zealand
Submitted 03/13/2015
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.
Hi Brie! I know exactly how you feel,your story is so much like mine! I’m having the lap in less then 2 weeks,and I’m so very nervous! I’ve heard horror stories that the pain came back within a couple months. If you would like to talk I can give you my email! ~Jessie
Hi Jessie! Knowing you’re about to have surgery can make you really nervous but you will be in the best hands possible and the lap will be over before you know it 🙂 you have no perception of time, it’s kind of like when you go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning, apart from the anaesthesia. I would love to talk to you, and will be happy to help you in any way that I can 🙂
Brie xx
Brie,
Thank you for sharing your story, I have been battling this pain for a while and my doctor also told me it was all in my head. I had a lap in October and it was confirmed that I have endometriosis as well as a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn and a septum in my cervix. This May I am having a hemihysterectomy to remove the horn. I do fear not being able to have babies because of endo and my small uterus. I am glad I am not the only one going through this. Thank you again.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie!
It’s rather disheartening when a doctor tells you something like that but we are blessed to know we are definitely not crazy 🙂 good luck with your hysterectomy gorgeous! I have my fingers and toes crossed for you.
Brie xx
Hi Brie,
I’m in NZ as well. Not sure where in the country you are, but I’m part of a great online group of Endo girls. Would love to chat with you sometime, but not sure how to contact you? Think you can click on my name and it will link to my blog, but not sure?
Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say hi. Was looking for your story to come up on the FLAG Facebook page but doesn’t seem to be there?
Hope you’re having a good day today ☺
Caroline
Hi Caroline!
I’m in the Wellington region of NZ, would be great to speak to you about endo related things – it’s always great to have a fellow endo pen pal. I’ll contact you through your blog so you can have my email address. Not sure why my story isn’t on the FLAG Facebook page yet.
Brie xx