Endometriosis is just another issue affecting my life.

by Stacey
(Christchurch, New Zealand)

Endometriosis and lots of auto immune issues ..

Being female I have been told since a child that I was over dramatic and to harden up when it comes to pain or discomfort. Since about 11 months old I have had issues with constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting and poor health.

At least twice a week after dinner or during the nights I would be in the toliet for a few hours with severe cramping and diarrhoea. When I was ten I got diagnosed with gluten intolorance and irratible bowel syndrome. Being gluten free gave me relief from my troubles for a few years. I had the odd bout every few weeks but nothing too major,up until my first period. For 4 years I just thought that periods were meant to be painful and that was that, but my symptoms got worse and I had laproscopic surgery done.

This showed that I had endometriosis in the pouch of douglas and I had a large cyst on my ovary. After the operation I had a mirena inserted to give me relief from endometriosis as well as act as a contraception.

Up until last year my periods have been giving me no trouble although I still get a lot of belly issues. Through the last three years since my operation I have also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and diabetes type 1. Which are all related to Autoimmune disease, funny considering my mother and grandmother both have autoimmune diseases that are differant to mine.

Anyway I am now at the point where the symptoms are coming back and I get a lot of pain in my pelvic area anytime of the month and my back hurts.

It has been worse since I started having sex last year and it has always been painful. Is it time for me to get a checkup? I don't know but I am comforted by the fact that there are so many women with the same issues as I.