The Ongoing Changes in My Body

The Endo belly

• The bloating after consuming the wrong foods

• The days when eating feels impossible

• The days when I feel heavy

• The scars left from various procedures

• The continuous fluctuations in weight

• The conditions that complicate the process of losing weight.

This is the reality for myself and many others living with chronic illness, and it has to be one of the toughest challenges we face.

One of the most frustrating things is when people make judgments, throw around labels like "fat," or make assumptions without first asking.

It's a reminder of the insensitivity that often accompanies misunderstandings. People may not realize the battles we fight daily or the courage it takes to manage these conditions with resilience and grace. It's important to remember that everyone is carrying their own burdens, and compassion should always precede judgment.

Living with conditions like endometriosis or fibromyalgia, for instance, means that our bodies don't always respond predictably. The bloating, the weight fluctuations, and the scars are not mere inconveniences—they are constant reminders of battles fought and still ongoing.

What many might not see are the days when simply getting out of bed feels like massive task, or when every meal is a gamble on whether or not our bodies will cooperate. The courage it takes to navigate these daily uncertainties is something that deserves empathy and understanding, not judgment.

So, to anyone who finds themselves misunderstood or judged: know that your journey is valid, and there are those who see your strength and stand with you. Let's continue to lift each other up, one story at a time.

For those of us navigating life with chronic illness, the journey is about finding balance and embracing our unique bodies as they are. It's about recognizing that our worth is not defined by our physical appearance, but by our strength, kindness, and the way we choose to live our lives.