Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a female health disorder that occurs when cells from the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other areas of the body. This can lead to
^^ Story of my life!!
Let me just say to any woman out there that suffers with this horrible disease that I commend you! Endometriosis has put so many things in my life on hold and one of those was the ability to get pregnant. It's almost every woman's dream to grow up, be successful, get married and create a family. For some, this dream gets put to the side.. and not by choice. As far as I can remember my periods had always been painful! I would curl up in a ball and cry my eyes out until that week was over and then it was the same thing the next cycle. I couldn't understand why it hurt so bad. I knew cramps were normal but this pain was way beyond anything I had ever felt. When I was 21 I had enough of this pain and finally wanted some answers. I went doctor to doctor and nobody could figure out what was going on. I had doctors tell me that it was my colon causing pain, my appendix may need to come out, or I could just be having really bad menstrual cramps. I knew I wasn't crazy, I felt deep down in my burning uterus that something was wrong! Finally after doing much research I decided to reach out to a gynecologist to see if I had something going on with my ovaries because I had history of ovarian cysts. I had my appointment and he tells me that this sounds like a case of endometriosis. Now, I had no idea what that ment or what it was but that word freaked me out. He explained what it was and that the only way to find out if I had a case of it was to do a laparoscopy. Another word that scared the shit out of me. So I said what the hell, schedule the surgery and lets see what happens, thinking to myself that this was another miss and I would be left not knowing what this pain really was. I remember it like it was yesterday. January 17th 2012 at 7AM I was going in to get cut open and a little camera was going to determine what I dreaded. I got wheeled back and the last thing I remember was the doctor saying "lets pray for a beautiful outcome". I woke up shortly after in severe pain. My belly hurt, my back hurt, and my collar bones hurt (due to the gas that they have to put in for your belly to expand so the camera can see better). I was sitting there in pain anxiously waiting the news. My husband and dad came through the door with worried looks on their faces and right then I knew my life was forever changed. The doctor came in and showed us that the endometriosis had completely taken over my right ovary as well as the whole underside of my uterus. What does this mean? Does it come back? Do I need to live life differently? these were the questions flowing through my mind. I was so scared, lost and confused. I couldn't believe that I had something that every woman fears. I felt strong and confident that I could be fine living with this until he said "unfortunately, this causes infertility" I could feel the tears hiding behind my eyes, with anger in my heart I had no idea what to do or say. I never really thought about kids, I was only 21, my life was just starting. Right then I was so afraid my husband might leave me if I wasn't able to give him a family. I had something taken from me that I didn't even know that I wanted. Well, I didn't put much thought into trying for a family, I just went about my normal days. My period after the surgery was amazing... for about a year. Then the pain was right back and I was FURIOUS! My doctor had a guess that it would come back in 4-5 years. I went and say my gynecologist and she gave me 3 choices. Do another surgery, try and get pregnant now, or get a hysterectomy. WOW, here I am 22 years old and I am faced with a decision I never thought I would have to make on impulse. Me and my husband talked about it and we decided that we loved each other and we would make it work if we tried for a baby right now. So we tried and tried and every month was another let down. I was afraid that if we went on for to long with no success that I would forced to having another surgery. I was so upset, I knew I was never going to get what I really wanted. 6 months turned into a year and I lost hope. I went to my doctor and told her I couldn't do it and maybe surgery is whats best. Then november 2013 I noticed I was late... I had one pregnancy test left and I thought what the hell lets just see. I peed on the stick and walked away, actually forgetting that I took the test I started doing chores around the home. After about an hour I remembered the news of my future was sitting in the bathroom. I walked up to the stick and took a deep breath... there was a beautiful + sign, immediately I cried. I was so excited, scared and happy. I couldn't wait to share the news with my husband. I handed him the stick because I was speechless and he was soooo excited. After all that time I finally got what we wanted. Now, my biggest concern was a miscarriage. I didn't care if I was on bed rest and ended up with a c-section, as long as I was able to carry this baby to full term. Well 1 month turned into 2 and 2 turned into 9! I carried my beautiful baby for 39 weeks with no complications. There is light at the end of the tunnel for most. This is a horrible thing to have to live with and unfortunately my endometriosis is right back. But for those 9 months I was the most grateful human being alive. The battle begins again...
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