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Haley’s Story (Endometriosis)

Haley's Story EndometriosisHi, my name is Haley, and I am 21 years old. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis last year, and I consider myself pretty lucky to have been diagnosed fairly soon after my symptoms started. I was only wrongly diagnosed for a few months before my gyno figured out what was wrong. After going in and out of urgent care clinics, I called my gyno’s office and begged for an ultrasound or some other kind of test that might explain what was wrong with me. Soon after, I had my first laparoscopy and was diagnosed with endo.

After I had healed from that lap, I felt like I was on top of the world. I could run again, walk again, have sex with my boyfriend without wanting to cry, and I had a sense of false hope that my problems were solved. Something my gyno failed to mention was that, in most cases, Endometriosis returns shortly after the lap is performed. I was pain free for about 8 months, and now I am in more pain than I was before I had the surgery. I now suffer from panic attacks and paralyzing abdominal pain that I can only imagine must be worse than any labor pains I have heard of. When I have an attack, I can’t breathe, my body shakes uncontrollably and there is absolutely nothing I can do to find any relief. It feels like someone is taking a branding tool and twisting it into my stomach for hours on end.

The most frustrating part of all of this is that almost everyone I tell my story to dismisses the pain and categorizes endo as just having “bad periods.” Although this is true for some women, it is not nearly the entire story. Sometimes when I describe the pain to people, even those close to me, they tell me I might just have a low tolerance for pain. I don’t blame them for not understanding because, as anyone else in the world with endo knows, it is really difficult to explain what this condition feels like. However, I know that I am strong. I know that I don’t have a “low pain tolerance.” I’m not over-exaggerating, and I know that I will be able to make it through this with the support of those who love me. We are all in this together, and we have to keep fighting.

Thanks for reading!

Haley
Michigan
Submitted 02/10/2015

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.

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5 comments

  1. Robin

    Haley, I know exactly what you are going through. I lived through it from the moment my periods started until I had a hysterectomy at 28. It is excruciating pain! Heating pad sometimes helps – along with fetal position and a few choice words!! The only time it stopped was when I was pregnant. That is why the hysterectomy so earlly. If you are able to have, and want children, do it soon. My left tube became blocked from scar tissue and they said I would not be able to get pregnant without IVF. We showed them. But it does leave terrible scarring behind. Just stay strong in your fight and know we have your back! You are lucky to have family and friends to support you! Good luck to you!

    • Haley

      Robin, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through Endometriosis for so long. That’s good advice about having kids. My gyno also told me something similar the last time I had an appointment and it honestly freaks me out. It gives me hope to know that there are others out there like me who have had children and are continuing to fight! Thanks for your support and good luck to you too!

  2. Anna

    Haley, I cried when I read your story because that is exactly how I feel. Like you, I try to explain the pain to others and I really don’t think they get it but don’t blame them. I was diagnosed at 34 with laproscopy procedure as well and at 43 continue living with it. Birth control pills have been the way my GYN has treated this but lately the pain is excuciating that he gave me strong pain killer. Well, I tried to get off them one month and what a big mistake. I must have b led for a whole month! It was devasting and I was very depressed. So I got back on them. After a while I thought to myself, I don’t want to be hooked on pain killers so I began to research alternative medicine. I have heard good things about essential oils and reflexology so we shall see. It helps to know I am not alone and I try to stay positive but in the mean time we go to fight like a girl!! Stay strong.

    • Haley

      Anna, I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through :/. It is definitely hard and I know I am just at the beginning of this condition. I really hope essential oils work for you! I have heard good things about it but so far haven’t tried anything for the pain. Thanks for the reply, there is comfort in knowing I’m not alone.

  3. Brigitte Estelle Gaudreault

    Bonjour Haley,

    I read your story and could feel your pain through your words , your sadness and suffering is
    overwhelming , tonite I shall gaze upon a star and say your name and pray for you and all the comfort you deserve .
    You write so well , keep writing we need more HEROES like you , strong , determine and sooo positive !

    I do not have endometriosis but I sympathize with y’all ! I wrote a story abut my sister Diane Gaudreault in the non-hodgkins lymphoma section .

    KEEP FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL, YOU GREAT PERSON !!
    With love from Québec, Canada,
    Brigitte Estelle
    xxx

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