Skip to main content I have suffered from endometriosis since the early age of 11. Since the beginning of my menstrual cycle, I experienced pain, a pain like no other that impacted my everyday life. I attempted to voice my concerns but was dismissed as a little girl with a painful period, “Take some Panadol right?" Wrong.
It was actually the beginning of a lifelong incurable disease - endometriosis. I withstood debilitating pain, fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, depression and much more, until finally I reached out. I was dismissed over and over again and after years of trying, it was suggested to me that I try birth control - the pill. The pill I took not only didn’t work but caused me to spiral into a depression. After this failed attempt the Mirena was mentioned. I was assured the insertion would cause mild discomfort and to take Panadol and Nurofen, this was not true. This barbaric procedure without any general anaesthetic was excruciating and nothing a 15 year old girl should have to experience. It eventually took away my period, but not my suffering.
It continued until I couldn’t bear it. I visited a specialist doctor who was the first person to see me for who I was, a young woman trying to overcome my struggles. He didn’t dismiss me or turn me away but instead provided me with all the information and options for the road ahead. He mentioned that for my age, such pain was not normal and may be due to me developing endometriosis. The only way to formally diagnose it and identify the problem was keyhole surgery. I was terrified, but I was glad I was finally taken seriously. When I woke up (after surgery), there it was, I had endometriosis. However, I had not just begun to develop it, I had stage 4 endo. They removed it from my stomach, bowel and lungs. The buildup was unlike anything anyone expected. Finally, I had the answer.
Endometriosis has been proven to be one of the most painful conditions. It’s very real and very painful and affects 1 in 7 women. I still suffer to this day and am sharing this story out of passion to help others with my condition. Whether you are suffering from symptoms, getting ready for another surgery or being told you’re now unable to have kids, you matter, we matter, and endometriosis matters.
