My Struggle With Endometriosis

18 comments:
For some reason this subject has been hard for me to write about. I pride myself on being very transparent, yet I still have trouble with this subject. It has effected me physically and mentally. Lets start off with the definition.

 
Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the peritoneum which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.


At the age of nineteen I was diagnosed with severe Endometriosis. I was in constant pain. I learned to just cope with it. I thought it was normal to feel like my uterus was falling out of my "lady part" during "that time" of the month. Turns out it wasn't. Below is a picture of what severe Endometriosis looks like. My after surgery pics were twice as bad. My ovaries were stuck in places they should not have been. It looked as if Spider Man had personally paid my insides a visit by webbing everything in sight.
     


You are more likely to develop Endometriosis if you:

· Started your period at a young age

· Never had children

· Have frequent periods or they last 7 or more days


This makes sense. I started my period at the age of nine. I have never had children, and my period used to last more than seven days.

Pain is the main symptom of Endometriosis. A woman with Endometriosis may have:

· Painful periods

 Pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation

· Cramps for a week or two before menstruation and during menstruation; cramps may be steady and range from dull to severe)

· Pain during or following sexual intercourse

· Pain with bowel movements

· Pelvic or low back pain that may occur at any time during the menstrual cycle


Now, lets talk treatment (or lack of). I have been on high progesterone pills more than a few times. The side effects are weight gain and depression. I have dealt with both being on this medication. I went from being 145ish to 205. I have also taken Depo Lupron. This medication stops the ovaries from producing estrogen in order to produce a menopause like state. Your supposed to take it every three months. At one time I was taking it every month.



After a few Pelvic Laparoscopy surgeries, I had to have a partial hysterectomy. My left Fallopian tube and ovary were taken out. My doctor did not take out everything in hopes that I would have a baby soon. That was two years ago. I have been told to have a baby since I was 21. Easier said than done, right?

I pray that I am healed from this one day. I also pray that God blesses me with a child or children one day. If not, I am reminded of this............

Psalm 113



He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
He settles the childless woman in her home
    as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord.
               


Source here.




                         


18 comments:

  1. That bible verse just did it for me. Many women worry about when they want to get married and have kids and here you are giving it all to God even before it happens. You are such an encouragement and I pray that you keep standing your ground till God answers your prayers.

    Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words Funmi! I really appreciate it.

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  2. Wow Jess it takes a lot of courage to not only wear your truth but share personal struggles with such a physical issue that can be quite emotional. The book of psalms is always comforting my personal favorite is Psalm 139:23-24. You are really blossoming in your God given light with your blog. Keep shining friend I can see how happy this is making you from afar. :-)

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    1. Awwwwwwww, thanks friend! Yes, it does make me happy. Thanks for the verse.

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  3. Wow, I'm so sorry for what you are going through :( I trust your faith will help you to stay positive.

    God bless you Chica.

    Xoxo

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    1. Thanks Natalia! Yes, it will. Whatever is supposed to happen will happen. I'm sure God will send a child my way. May come out of me and may not. Either way, I'm content :)! Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I really admire your positive attitude and your faith in God!! I'm sorry for you that you've had to deal with so much pain. I pray that 2013 brings you lots of happiness! :)
    Susan

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    1. Awwwwwwww, thank you Susan for your kind words! I am very happy at the present. God has already blessed me far more than I could ever imagine! Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. WOW I just found your blog and I have been mising out. Let me say that I think you are amazing for having such a positive attitude about something so terrible. I was recently diagnosed with polycystic ovarion syndrome and I think Im still in denial so I appreciated your post and your positive vibes. Thanks. When you have time check out my blog if you like it follow back!

    Toya
    www.kismetandkilograms.blogspot.com

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  6. Thank you Toya! Praying for healing over your body. I will be sure to swing by! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  7. Thanking you for sharing more information on this. My friend has endometriosis and is always telling me how painful sex is for her. So sad. I will forward this link to her... she might be interested in some of the options you talked about. Just found your blog and I'm excited to get to know you better. Hope you don't mind if I follow along...

    newest follower :)
    bonnie
    thelifeofbon.com

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    1. Thank you Bonnie! I hope this information is helpful to her. Also, thanks so much for following. I will be sure to stop by and check out your blog. Have a great weekend!

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  8. Thanks for sharing such a personal and emotional story. There are so many things that affect us as women, and without discussions, we can't console or be consoled. God is in control. I pray one day you are freed from it!
    Tia Mowry recently shared her struggle with endometriosis. thought you might find it interesting: http://www.ivillage.com/tia-mowry-having-endometriosis/1-a-506754
    Blessings,
    Sherelle

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  9. Thank you Sherelle! And thank for your prayers. I had no clue she suffered from it! Thanks for the article. Have a blessed rest of week!

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  10. Hi Jessie, I stumbled across your blog as I was blog hopping this morning. It's amazing how similar our stories are. Like you I'm a single woman over 30 and I have endometriosis as well. I've been debating about writing about it. I appreciate you sharing your story.

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    1. Thank you Wanda! I encourage you to write about it. I've gotten so many emails and tweets from other women about new treatments and alternatives. All I did was write about it and doors opened. Please share your struggle with us. You never know who needs to hear it. :-)

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  11. I myself as well stumbled across your blog while hopping this evening....your story is so relatable to me as well as I hope to be able to have kids some day. So, glad I found your blog and I'm a follower now. GREAT POST!!!

    www.itsbobbiesworld.blogspot.com

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    1. Awwwwwww THANK YOU! I'm glad that you found my post relatable. Thanks for following! Peace and blessings!

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