How my life has been affected by endometriosis

by Mandy
(Kingwood, TX, )

I am 23 now but when I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 18 and had been suffering since my period first started when I was 10.

I saw several doctors before I finally found out it was Endometriosis. I have already had 4 surgeries and tried numerous medications which all have failed.

The medication made me sick and my moods changed drastically. I went from a tomboy that never cried to a little baby and I cried over the littlest things.

I don't know if I can have kids or not due to the doctors say mine is so severe i would more than likely lose the baby or i would be a high risk. Not to mention if I was to make it to labor there would be a chance me or the baby wouldn't make it.

The pain gets so bad that I can't walk at times and it seems the only thing I can really do is curl in a ball holding my knees tight and just wait till the pain stops.

It gets so bad that it has caused my entire body to stiffen to where I can't move hands or anything and than shortly after I black out. This has happened a few times and its one of the scariest things I have ever experienced.

I lost my insurance about 4 years ago and have not been treated since. Luckily I just got a new job and I qualify for insurance so I am going to try and seek new options.

Its a struggle I deal with almost everyday. Between the pain, the side affects from medications, trying to meet people and so forth.

Relationships have been the worst cause guys look at me like im broke. I was in a relationship for 6 years during the time I was diagnosed and we were talking about getting engaged and I found out I was pregnant. The joy/horror I felt was like nothing I had ever experienced.

Needless to say I miscarried two months into it and he left me. I had this one guy that I really liked and we had known each other for years and I finally confessed how I felt and his response to me was " I don't want to be with someone who can't give me kids." My heart was crushed.

It's not like I enjoy living with this condition. I want to try and have 1 kid before but at the same time I'm insecure living with this.

How can anyone love someone who is in pain majority of the time, in and out of doctors, and possibly cant bear children. Women in my family have had endometriosis as well but none severe like mine.

No matter what I do it seems to just keep coming back.. I am just glad I am not alone living with this and this site along with others, reading about other women like me, has helped keep me strong.




COMMENT

Name: Stefani

Title: Smile!

Hi Sweetie! I want to tell you that I am 29 years (young not old lol ) and believe that you are not alone. You are young and have plenty of time for kids. I was just like you at 29 I do not have kids but I believe and know I will.

If men have left you stranded like that then guess what, they did you a favour. The man you are suppose to be with will help you, console, be there for you, understand you. It was neither one of them.

So thank them because there is a man out there that will understand you and your disease. I have endometriosis too. It sucks!!! The ONLY thing that ever helped me conceive (I had a miscarriage also) was acupuncture! Works wonders!!!

Stress from both disease and from crappy men like that also affect your ability to conceive ... smile, laugh stay happy. I am a psychologist also and believe me I KNOW.

The way you think can handle your pain way better then medication. You can do it!!! Smile, your alive, you are here for a reason and you will have your family! Just like me! :O)

I am here if you need a friend, believe me I uderstand!
STEFANI


Name:Katie

Title: Please remember you're not alone in this!

I completely understand what you are going through. I'm 26 and just had my 6th surgery, my 2nd this year. I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 15. It is hell. It takes a strong man to stand by you with this disease. It has ruined 4 relationships, one was 6 years and we were engaged.

I'm lucky to have found someone that can put up with me. We've been together a little over a year and he's been there through the last 2 surgeries. It's not been easy, to say the least. From personal experience, any guy that would not stand by you when you need them the most, no matter what is not worth your time.

It isn't fair to be judged for something you didn't ask for and can't help. You didn't choose the hand you were dealt but there is a reason for it. God has a purpose for our suffering, even though it doesn't seem fair. I know that hearing it will get better and everything will work out does not really help but it is the truth.

You are a strong woman, you have to be to deal with this disease, and you deserve a man that will be there for you. I really do hope everything works out for you and I wish you all the best. And please remember that you are not alone in this and can always find support from someone with this disease.

We're all sisters struggling to live a halfway normal life through all the hell we have to go through. Really do hope everything works out! And even though I don't know you, I will be saying a prayer for you! Good luck!