I have fought endometriosis for the last twenty years. I developed it when I was 13, and was diagnosed with it when I was 18. The time in between that was a nightmare. The doctors would tell my mum it was all in my head or that it was ‘bad period pain’. I was taken to hospital with suspected appendicitis. Each time I was sent to the hospital, it made to feel like I had done something wrong because the doctors hadn’t found anything.
Since I was diagnosed, I have had six laparoscopic surgeries and excisions, as well as hormone treatment. None of it has worked.
The endometriosis has spread to my bladder and bowel. I haven’t been to a specialist for a few years. I got sick of no one being able to do anything, so who knows where it has spread to now??
A side effect from living in pain for so long is depression. There comes a point in time where you just get tired of fighting and want to give up. Well, I did. But I got over it, and I look at the son who I was so very lucky to have. I realized I have to keep fighting for him. Who knows, maybe one day they will find a cure for this!
To all the ladies out there who have it, don’t give up! What doesn’t kill you truly makes you stronger. Fight for the people who hold your hand through your struggles and stand by you.
Katie
New Zealand
Submitted 5-23-2012
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.
