Why I’m Telling My Story

Having been a Registered Nurse for the past 7 years, I have had the opportunity to become passionate about another diagnosis that people face everyday. . . cancer. I have cried with my patients when they decided to turn to hospice care and when they rang that victorious bell that celebrates the end to their chemo treatment.

All the while, I was also crying in the employee bathroom because of the pain I felt internally. And I now know that I am not alone. So here I am, with a new passion for a new cause (and still working full-time with my wonderful patients). I am dedicating my site to providing evidence based research, advice, and just a support system for people struggling with Endometriosis.

And although I have some credentials after my name, you should always consult with your doctor before acting on any advice you read on the internet. I can only speak of my story and what I have learned through my journey. See my full disclaimer here.

And so, I must start by telling my endometriosis story.

My Endo Story

The possibility of this diagnosis came to me at an appointment with a gynecologist in April of 2017. I explained to him how I had been off of birth control for about a year and a half without incidence of pregnancy. I was concerned that my biggest fear while growing up was true. I was afraid that I was infertile.

Not only was I afraid of this diagnosis, but my symptoms during my period were progressively getting worse every month. Although I have had really bad period symptoms since age 13, I was noting new symptoms (listed below); some of which I still suffer from.

• Hot flashes with every period and in between periods.
• Constant fatigue.
• Heavy, painful, and draining periods.
• Intermittent dizziness.
• Brain Fog
• Sciatica Pain
• Headaches
• Menstrual cramps that would radiate to my lower back, mid back, and all the way down my legs.

On my really bad days, I felt like curling into fetal position and rocking back and forth was the only way to feel better, although it never actually helped. These symptoms were even present with my 800 mg Ibuprofen tablets that I was taking daily (sometimes twice a day) during my period.

NOTE: This much NSAID use is definitely not recommended, unless prescribed and taken with medications to help prevent GI bleed.

These symptoms led me to frequently calling-in from work. I just knew I needed to see a doctor.

I was very lucky to have gone to a Gynecologist that specializes in Endometriosis and Infertility treatment on my first try. I now know that for most women, they go through countless physicians offices explaining how they feel, only to be told that it’s normal or a part of being a woman.

After my initial visit with my doctor, my heart sank. I left with my discharge papers in hand that stated a diagnosis of infertility and suspected endometriosis. Now as a RN, I was angry; livid even. How could he diagnose me with infertility without even doing any tests yet! And as a patient, I was heartbroken. But at the same time, I walked away with an answer for my years of painful periods. . . endometriosis. 

I followed that visit with a vaginal ultrasound, all the blood tests in the world, and some homework. My ultrasound was normal, my blood tests were mostly normal, and my homework was to start charting my cycles. 

My Endo Diagnosis

In November of 2017, I woke up in the PACU with my wonderful husband at my side ready to let me know that my laparoscopic surgery went well. It was confirmed, through the surgery, that I have Stage 1 Endometriosis.

It’s important to note that in my research I have read that the stage of endometriosis does not coincide with the patient’s symptoms. Some people with Stage 4 never have any symptoms, and then you have the people, like me, who present with almost all the textbook symptoms and are diagnosed with Stage 1 disease. Also, the staging system was only made with the intention of evaluating fertility potential, so it really is not the best system when looking at a patients pain or quality of life.

Although being diagnosed with Endometriosis was a difficult process, emotionally and physically, it was also such a relief to finally have answers. I can now look back to my days in grade school and college when I was in immense pain and know that IT WAS NOT NORMAL.

Not only did the diagnosis provide answers, but it has given us (my husband and I) the ability to tackle my symptoms and infertility with a vengeance. It’s about time we had some answers. And it’s about time you do too!