Age 20, But Feel Like 40
Hi! I thought I would share my story. It is currently 03:03am and I’m suffering with the aftermath of a very sudden flare, so whilst I’m sat with a couple of hot water bottles, what better way to spend time than sharing my story.
Contraceptives were my enemy
I’m 20 years old, living in the UK and I’m also a 3rd Year Midwifery student. I began my period, quite late, at around 12-13. One true fact is, I’ve never had a naturally regular period. I started the pill very young as I was in extreme pain - from being bed bound to screaming the place down in the middle of the night whilst clenching my tummy. Over the last few years, I’ve become familiar with all types of contraceptives that were given to me as a coping mechanism. Oh boy, were they all wrong. My body would be best friends with the new contraceptive, and then 4 months later, become its enemy.
Then, the surgeries began
Anywho, in 2017 - after multiple scans (and also a 3month temporary menopause) I had surgery which identified the endometriosis. I had a coil in place which worked great at first and then... you guessed it! It didn’t like it. In 2018, I had a second surgery, and I had the coil replaced by another. I also had laser removal of endometriosis too.
Now, everything was going pretty swimmingly, apart from the drastic decline in mental health. I was still under constant review and my medication was always changing.
I have recently been undergoing more scans after an admission into A&E (two nights in a row!). I was told I had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. So, with that being said - I was disheartened to think that there was something else to add... my endo, my adenomyosis, the pelvic congestion syndrome, the chronic pain syndrome, depression, anxiety and now PID.
Awaiting further consult
After further scans, I’ve just been told my left ovary is potentially stuck to my uterus. This would explain why a lot of my pain is on my left side. I’m awaiting a multidisciplinary team with my consultants to discuss further temporary menopause and also further surgery.
Remember, I’m only 20. Whilst I’m walking around like I’ve lived for an extra 20-30 years, my hunched back and bloated tummy - I have to keep reminding myself that I am doing all of this to prove to myself and to others that not giving up will be the key to our eventual happiness.
Sending love to you all across the globe. We got this.
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