I have suffered singe age 9 and still do. I’ve been through countless treatments and surgeries from this disease. I have gone through several doctors in the past that accused me of exaggerating or gave me a misdiagnosis.
Growing up with endometrioisis was difficult. I couldn’t always attend P.E., play sports, or do things with friends that I would’ve liked. I always had extra sets of clothing packed, since I would bleed more than someone without endo would. On the days that I wasn’t able to attend P.E, I would sit in the guidance office and catch up on studies and/or help out. Some days, the pain was so bad that my mom would have to pick me up from school.
When I became an adult, more questions arose. Typical questions that I was asked were, “Why are you always sick?”, “Why are you having so many surgeries?”, “Will you ever get better?”, and “If what you have is so serious, then why is nobody doing anything?” I had several surgeries last year, 2014. My most recent surgery was in September 2014, when I had a hysterectomy. Endometriosis made its way to my bladder, and I also suffer from some other illnesses related to Endometriosis.
I currently have only my right ovary, but Endo has attacked once again. I have recently reached out and formed a Facebook group page, event, etc. to help and spread awareness. I used to suffer in silence, and looking at me, you would have never known. I used to be afraid of the judgement I would recieve. I know what it’s like to cancel with friends at the very last moment because of being balled up in horrible pain. I know what it is like to have failed relationships because most men can’t or won’t deal with you and the disease, along with the others that come with it. I know what it’s like to struggle financially because of not being able to work or drive and having to pay numerous bills from endo treatments. I know what it’s like to use a heating pad to attempt to relieve some of the pain and end up with red marks and still have intense pain.
I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor! What some consider scars, I consider my battle wounds that show I’m a Fighter. I am happy to be a Fight Like A Girl Member and am hoping my story will encourage others!
Hollie
Tennessee
Submitted 02/08/2015
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.
She is an amazing person who rocks. Do not let this disease define you You overcome the disease and live your life to the fullest no matter who you are.
” I know what it’s like to cancel with friends at the very last moment because of being balled up in horrible pain. I know what it is like to have failed relationships because most men can’t or won’t deal with you and the disease, along with the others that come with it. I know what it’s like to struggle financially because of not being able to work or drive and having to pay numerous bills from endo treatments. I know what it’s like to use a heating pad to attempt to relieve some of the pain and end up with red marks and still have intense pain.”
This brought me to tears. It is exactly everything I am facing at the moment and I have felt so alone. It’s nothing anyone can understand unless they have it. I feel like I miss out on so much because of the disease and it has affected so many relationships. My own father accused me of manifesting it in my mind or thought I was lying about it for years – he only came around last year when I was hospitalized for the pain. And there in the hospital, the male gyno tried to convince me that I just have low tolerance for period pain; even though the pain was continuous, of increasing intensity with no relation to cycle. I can’t work beyond freelance illustration and writing at home which I am suffering with for productivity, and coupled with an undiagnosed sun allergy, I can barely leave the house most of the time unless the stars align just so. It is exhausting just to exist sometimes, and everyone around you forgets it.
Thank you for sharing your story, Hollie. As awful as it is that we all must suffer, it is reassuring in some way to know that somewhere out there, someone knows. Your bravery and tenacity is encouraging.
Bonjour Hollie,
First I must congratulate you on your strength , courage, endurance , understanding your need to grow with the knowledge of getting better with time and patience .
Yes, you will always meet someone who is afraid of the unknown , sometimes I am sure you want to throw a book at them and yell get educated ! Haha ! They say ignorance is bliss !
But then again , it would have taken your needed time and certainly wasted your energy , your precious energy to learn from the mistakes of the “so-called” misguided doctors , misguided friends etc…
To whom it may concern , this beautiful smile that Hollie is wearing , the look of achievement in her eyes are years of hard work , she knows she has a disease but the disease DOES NOT HAVE HER !
HOLLIE BRAVO !♡♥
Keep fighting like a girl ‘coz we need heroes like you !
With love from Québec, Canada
Brigitte Estelle xxxx