I have suffered from Endometriosis since my very first menstrual cycle at age 11. After years of jumping from one OBGYN to another, I finally had Laparoscopic surgery. The news was devastating and still bothers me years later. But it was also a relief.
Devastating because I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis and I was only 29 years old.
Devastating because it had spread like weeds beyond my uterus to my bladder, intestines and throughout my abdomen.
Devastating because the spreading was so severe that the doctor could not proceed with the operation.
Devastating because after all the test and preparation, all they could do was sew me back up and send me home.
But I was relieved because it meant that I was NOT CRAZY.
I was relieved to hear my doctor say, “You didn’t imagine this. I could reach out & touch it. Your pain is real….”
I was relieved and actually cried tears of joy because someone FINALLY believed me.
In the midst of all these emotions, I was given very expensive Hormone Replacement Therapy shots called Lupron. For nearly a year, it gave me the much-needed relief from my debilitating monthly cycle that I was so desperate to escape. But, I still experienced the extreme pain of a ruptured cyst and other unpleasant symptoms.
Sadly, as with various forms of birth control, once the Lupron was out of my system, my cycle and all of the usual unbearable symptoms came back with a vengeance.
Frustrated by the traditional medicinal approach, I finally decided to take my health into my own hands. I refused to accept the notions that not only is the cause of Endometriosis more or less unknown but more egregiously, there is no cure.
I reasoned that EVERYTHING has a cause. And if that underlying cause can be addressed, instead of merely treating symptoms, then a cure is possible. I determined to know more about MY body than any doctor.
So, I started devouring books, research articles, youtube videos…anything that would shed light on this topic. Among other things, I found an amazing naturopathic doctor and joined online Endometriosis support groups.
I have been silent about my condition for most of my life. But, I discovered Endometriosis Awareness Month (which occurs every March) and it gave me the courage to share my story with my friends, my family, my social media network, and practically anyone else who would listen…
I discovered that I am NOT ALONE like I had felt for soooo long. There are millions of women across the world struggling with Endometriosis and other reproductive issues, just like me.
All of the research I have learned has led me on an incredible journey to better health and I want to share my experiences with the world. I still have so much room for improvement, so I hope that we can all grow…together, as we:
- Inspire health of mind, body, and spirit
- Increase awareness of Endometriosis
- Offer diet and lifestyle changes to remedy this and other debilitating diseases
- Share tasty and artfully prepared recipes, self-care routines, etc.
For years, I was just SURVIVING my life. Now, I am learning how to THRIVE.
