Endo & I

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in May 2009 after having a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
I was a little overwhelmed at first, and all over the place after having the surgery to remove a cyst the size of a golf ball. I had a good few years after that, having had the Zoldex injections after surgery, which seemed to calm things down.

But in 2019, I started to experience that pain again. The stabbing where it feels like someone is carving out your insides. In March 2020 my worst fear was confirmed, it had grown back. This was a shock, I was naive and hadn't done my research around this happening. The sleepless nights, pacing up and down, just hoping for a little bit of relief but nothing helps ease that pain.

I was put back on a course of treatment for six months, due to covid I was unable to get surgery. Sadly, this didn’t work, and in January 2022 I had a second laparoscopy.
And my mind started to spin.

I had Stage III active endometriosis again; my ovary was fused to my bowel. My bowel was obstructing my bladder. The endometriosis was in my pelvic area, lining of my womb (uterus) and very close to my urethra. After a follow up with gynaecologist in January 2023, consultation and diagnostic tests with a urologist and bowel specialist, . I can now add an overactive bladder to the list of issues this condition can cause.

As of January 2024, I am waiting on an appointment to insert stents into my bladder, and then a hysterectomy.
Will I be better off? I don't know what the future holds right now, but I know this surgery is the right thing for me.

I have done Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I have a pain journal and an amazing support network around me, but I face menopause next. Endometriosis is a terrible debilitating condition. But it doesn't define who I am, it’s just something I learn to manage the best I can.

Having had this condition for 13 years, I have learned it’s very easy to lose myself at times, but I pick myself up, I get out of bed, and if I'm not having a good day - I talk.
I've learned when you bottle these things up, it can affect your mental health and well-being.
We should talk about periods and women’s health. It should not be this forbidden taboo.
Endometriosis Associations and support groups are an amazing outlet we should all sign up too. It's a massive support.

“We should talk about periods and women’s health. It should not be this forbidden taboo.….”