How to handle dismissive doctors? What treatment should I be looking out for?
Hi, all! I am new to this web page and am honestly looking to chat with some people who also suffer from endometriosis. I am nineteen and got diagnosed a year and a half ago after seven years of doctor appointments, ultrasounds, and birth control prescriptions. Currently, I am really struggling with how to get help and what my next steps should be. After my surgery and diagnosis, I have zero follow-up but have been experiencing worsening symptoms. The doctors I have tried to talk to have all been very unhelpful, and some have given very concerning suggestions, like having a baby before it is too late. Now I am very worried about both my fertility and what help I should be looking for from doctors.
My mum has been encouraging me to freeze my eggs and I was wondering if that is the right choice if anyone has any experience or advice regarding that topic that would be amazing.
I've come to terms with the fact that I will spend a lot of my life in pain and have come used to dealing with that what I struggle with more is the fatigue, digestive issues, and the severe mood swings/sadness I experience when I am meant to get my period. This has definitely been the hardest part to cope with. One day I will be fine and happy then the next I will struggle to leave my house or even bed because I feel so down that after a week I will go back to normal. I have really struggled to bring this up with a doctor and when I have they have been dismissive. Is there anything I could ask for or a way to advocate for myself?
Any advice would be helpful it is really hard to talk about or find people who understand so I am hoping here is the place. Thank you!
Hi dear one, I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this all alone. You've come to the right place for support. Everything you've described is so relatable to so many folks here. Dealing with dismissive doctors is SO frustrating, and unfortunately, it's a common theme with endometriosis. I would recommend you check out this article about preparing for doctors appointments. It's really helpful for learning how to advocate for yourself. https://endometriosis.net/clinical/doctors-visit.
To address fertility, your concern is completely valid. It's not fun to hear that you may struggle in the future to get pregnant. That being said, it's not necessarily a done deal! Many folks with endometriosis are still able to get pregnant! There are many ways to assist in getting pregnant using advanced medicine. Check out this article to learn more about some of those methods: https://endometriosis.net/art-reproductive-technology.
I also wanted to send you this article, which you may find helpful for dealing with those challenging mood swings: https://endometriosis.net/living/7-surprising-techniques-to-managing-mood-swings.
Please know that you're not on this journey alone! We're here to support you and help you get the answers you're looking for. Take good care. - Kat (Team Member)
