I have suffered from pain during my menstrual cycle since about 13. I got my period at 10. For years, I was told I was a hypochondriac, until at 19 I had severe rib and shoulder pain after an ectopic pregnancy, at this time I never linked it to my cycle. I was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who had sent me for an MRI as there was no explanation for the pain. About 20mins after the MRI, I had a call from this surgeon and he said you'll need to go back to your GP and get a new referral as I believe I can see endometriosis in your liver. I was gobsmacked. At this time, I was 19 had just moved to a new town with my then-boyfriend did not have any family support close by. I went back to the GP and he said "No I don't think it's that” and never gave me a referral. Soon after, I returned to my rural hometown to live, with limited medical services. I went back to the doctor many times but no one would believe that I was told after a visit to the orthopaedic surgeon for shoulder pain, I had endo. I gave up for a long time and was blessed with a precious baby boy at 22. At 24, we realised we wanted another baby. As nothing was happening I went to a gynaecologist who went through all my records and even sourced a copy of the MRI from when I was 19. At this time, she said we need to go in for a laparoscopy and have a look around.

Unfortunately, they found a large endometrial cyst (chocolate cyst) on my liver and signs of thoracic endo, as well as DIE endo throughout my abdomen and abdominal wall, on my bowel and bladder and an obliterated pouch of Douglas. The surgery was complex and resulted in complications that required further interventions. I was referred to an endo specialist in Sydney who put me on Zoladex to help keep my symptoms at bay as well as help me conceive. I have since conceived 2 more beautiful baby boys. After my third boy and third c-section I had my tubes tied as I knew I was done and blessed to have babies. I do experience pain now and I think it's time to gather the strength to restart my endo journey with the specialists again.

Woman working into the sunshine from work