Same S%$# Different Day

By elamj16

1 min read

I’m 33 & endo has ruined more days of my life than I can count. I had my first cyst when I was 11 years old. I lost my left ovary to a cyst the size of a cantaloupe when I was 19, which was also when I was diagnosed with endo.

Pregnancy or hysterectomy??

I’ve had 16 abdominal surgeries because of it. I’ve taken every med known to man to try to slow it down or control it. I’m now at the point that my doc says we either have to get pregnant or I have to have a hysterectomy. So fertility specialists, here we come.

Believe me!

I’ve lost count of how many people think I’m lying or exaggerating how bad the pain is. Sadly, it’s usually other women who are the worst, unless they’re unfortunate enough to have it too. If it weren’t for my fiancé & my family, I probably would’ve folded years ago from whole mess.

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Endo Warrior Member
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2053830" username="elamj16"/> I’m so sorry you’ve had such a rough go at it. Sadly your story is only all too familiar. Although I haven’t had as many surgeries as you, it took 15 years of excruciating pain before I got diagnosed. No one believed the amount of pain I was in, least of all my own family. It became so bad that I started to doubt myself. When I was finally diagnosed with extensive endometriosis it felt like a validation of my pain. To this day I still have a hard time acknowledging the level of pain I’m in. The mental toll endometriosis takes on a woman doesn’t get nearly enough attention and I’m so happy you shared your story. It’s not a happy one (when are endometriosis stories ever happy?) but I hope that it will have a happy continuation for you. I’m so happy that you have a supportive family and fiancé! I wish you all the best and so check in to tell us how things are going. All the best, Christina - team member
Kimberli Davino Member
<inline-mention user-id="2053830" username="elamj16"/> - I just want to hug you. I first just want to say, I hope you know how strong and how much of a warrior you are, for continuing to push through everything. I have only had 2 surgeries so I know I cannot relate in the surgery sense, but it did take me way too many years until I was taken seriously and was able to receive a diagnosis. Every doctor I saw would tell me it was in my head and I needed to see a therapist. Those words began to take such a toll on me, that I started to believe it. But the thing about us endo warriors, is that we don't give up. We keep fighting and that was what I did until I did receive a diagnosis. And I just remember writing one doctor in particular- who told me I was seeking attention, was not in love with my husband, and needed therapy (and also said there was no way I had endometriosis even though all three of my aunts and sister had it)- a letter, telling him about my diagnosis. It was such a good feeling to be able to do that. And since that exact moment, I have wanted to do nothing more but to raise awareness and help others suffering know just how strong they are. To never give up hope and to keep fighting. As for infertility, I am in the same boat as you. Try, get a hysterectomy or freeze my eyes was my options. And I just am not ready for any of that. It is so sad that those are the options we have to be given. Please know we are all thinking of you and sending good vibes as you begin your fertility specialist journey. <3 Miracles do happen, just keep remembering that. It truly is amazing to hear you have such an amazing family and fiance. Honestly, that really does help so much. Sending you the biggest hugs. Thank you for being a part of this community. If you ever need to chat, we are here. Always. -Kimberli (Team Member)
Kimberli Davino Member
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2053830" username="elamj16"/> , just wanted to check in and see how you have been doing! <3 -Kimberli (Team Member)