About the author
My name is Chanel. I’m 28 years old. I have endometriosis, adenomyosis and interstitial cystitis. And I am here to help.
My mother, grandmother and great aunt all had endometriosis. My mother had it so severely that, after her laparoscopy at age 19, she was told she would never have children — the surgeon could hardly identify her reproductive organs for all the scar tissue present. A little over a year later, she was married and had given birth to me. Despite her doctor’s encouragement to try and have another child, she had a radical hysterectomy at age 20, when I was 4 months old.
Suffice to say, I grew up knowing that endometriosis was likely in my future. Plagued by heavy cycles that didn’t respond to Aleve or birth control since age 12, I too was officially diagnosed after my first laparoscopy at age 19. Knowing it’s coming is one thing, but nothing can ever prepare you for the reality of living with it. And after many years of troublesome ovarian cysts, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at age 24. I took Metformin for about a year, but stopped due to some odd side effects. The diagnosis of PCOS is now in question.
I have a long and varied collection of anecdotes and advice as a woman both living with these disorders as well as someone who spent many years learning everything people would teach her in family practice offices, rape response and public healthcare/gynecology clinic. That said, I am not a doctor or licensed nurse, so please take my advice and stories as what they are: advice and stories from someone who has been there, not from someone who can write you a prescription or diagnose you. Only surgery can diagnose endometriosis and adenomyosis. Do not be swayed by anything else.
This blog is intended to be a personal-story-fueled supplement to the soon-to-be-live EndoSucks.org. I hope that Endo Sucks! can be a full-fledged nonprofit someday soon.
Any questions or comments can be left on any of the Endo Sucks! postings or e-mailed to me personally at endosucks@gmail.com
1.
kathy | April 13, 2011 at 6:23 pm
I am having YET another day of screaming and tears after my annual OBGYN appt. After 20 yrs of endo and 7 surgeries, I am still single and no kids, 36, and I literally hate my body at this moment.
I am now where you are – Mirina being the ONLY thing I haven’t tried. I’ve gained 10lbs since my last surgery in Nov, 2010, and it’s the first time I haven’t been able to lose it.
Thank you for your blog. I am trying to get through the work day, have an interview later, and I am beside myself emotionally. Oh, and of course, I’m on Lexapro, so don’t even ask!
Thanks again., I really needed to hear someone who could relate….as now the “mad” is dying down and the tears are falling.
Kathy
2.
Lizzie | June 15, 2011 at 11:05 am
Hey Kathy, I’m not sure if you’ve made a decision since your entry but i just wanted to let you know that I understand what you are going through. I’ve been on lexapro for a couple of years now because of my endo and other menstrual issues. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had my mirena in for nearly a year now and it’s helped with my endo but more importantly with my depression. I think it’s great (from that perspective) and I think you should give it a shot.
Good luck & happiness
Lizzie
3.
endosucks | May 2, 2011 at 8:22 am
Sometimes you just gotta cry it out.
I know those days so well. And I know that it means you aren’t living the life you deserve to be living. The question is, what are you willing to do to be healthy and happy?
I say Mirena is worth a try. You owe it to yourself to try all your options. As for kids … well, when we’re sick and in pain, we can’t give our all to ourselves, let alone anybody else. Only you know what you can live with — and without. Adoption is always an awesome option.
I hope you had a great interview and are feeling better today! x
4.
Ashley hatten | July 18, 2011 at 8:00 pm
hi, i was wondering if anyone lives in the Georgia area, I am thinking about starting a support group for the warner robins area. there is one in atl but i am two hours away and with my pain and my two kids….its not on the agenda….hope every one is doing well. please feel free to add me on facebook. Ashley Hatten- spread the word, endo sucks!
5.
endosucks | August 2, 2011 at 12:59 am
Hey Ashley, I think we’ve already connected on Facebook but I’ll be in Warner Robins this Friday to see my surgeon! I live 5 hours away, in Jacksonville FL.
6.
Endo Month, Day 8: Photo support, family edition « Endo Sucks! | March 8, 2012 at 10:55 am
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