Thriving Not Surviving
Life With Endometriosis - AKA Freddy Krueger
My endometriosis journey began in my teenage years, when I mistakenly believed I was just experiencing bad periods. It wasn't until 2003, after the birth of my second child, that the symptoms escalated and I realized something was wrong. With a family history of gynecological issues, many of us struggled to conceive naturally. Fortunately, the doctor I consulted recognized it as endometriosis, and I consider myself lucky to have had two daughters. and my son followed in 2006 and he would be last.
Living with endometriosis is challenging, and over time, I nicknamed it "Freddy Krueger" due to the stabbing pains that felt like a nightmare. Throughout my journey, I've had to advocate for better treatment and care, often feeling let down by the medical system. Pain management is a significant aspect of living with endometriosis, and I was prescribed numerous pain medications, many of which proved to be detrimental in the long run. I cannot take ibuprofen or naproxen, as they have damaged my stomach lining, leading to new conditions like gastritis and silent reflux. At one point, I was prescribed high doses of gabapentin, which also caused various issues. At this stage of my journey, I had to learn how to manage the pain, which ultimately required a lifestyle change.
Living with endometriosis involves numerous procedures, countless scans, and the feeling of being a guinea pig while experimenting with various medications. It brings challenges such as painful intercourse, an "endo belly" that can resemble pregnancy, ongoing bleeding, iron deficiencies, and mood swings. All of these factors significantly impact daily life as you strive to manage the condition and aim for more good days than bad. On difficult days, I often found myself in bed with a hot water bottle, simply trying to rest and hoping the pain would subside.
Over the years, you may remain unaware of the internal struggles and how severe they can be. I have undergone multiple surgeries to remove endometriosis, each leading to significant complications with adhesions, making every procedure a risk. After the birth of my third child, I decided to have my tubes tied, as having more children would require another C-section, which was too much on my body. I also had a Mirena inserted to help manage the bleeding, but that procedure also required anesthesia, which was a concern for me. For a long time, I advocated for a hysterectomy, and it was only recently, with my new diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), that I realized how at risk I was for another surgery. The inflammation in my pelvis was worsening, and my abdomen had attached to my pelvis over time. it was determined that it was time for the surgery, and my surgeon hoped to preserve the ovaries, although the situation was quite complicated.
On December 31, 2024, I underwent a full hysterectomy and finally have things unattached, The next day, the doctor came in to explain what had happened, and he decided to take my ovaries and to be tested for cancer or pre cancer cells to ensure a positive outcome. I chose to take my parts home for several reasons; this disease has been a part of my life since 2003, and I have three beautiful children. While this may not signify the complete end of endometriosis, it will allow me to reclaim my life in some way. I was taken back by the extent of the damage, as it was not what I had envisioned when I brought my small wee box home. Now, I will lay it to rest and give it a special place. For now, this is farewell, and here’s to a better life ahead.
This is an image of a clip that prevents pregnancy, along with a glimpse of the situation that was happening inside my body.
