Living with endometriosis
“At times [my period pain] has just been a dull ache, where as other times this would be so debilitating that I was vomiting, crippled over in agony, unable to walk from the pain”
At the age of 22 I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis. After a seven year battle for a diagnosis it would be fair to say that the impact this condition has had on my life has been significant. My ‘love life’ has been no exception to this, with endometriosis proving a challenge to my relationships, intimacy and most painfully fertility.
From as long as I can remember in my menstrual timeline I have suffered with painful periods. At times this has just been a dull ache, where as other times this would be so debilitating that I was vomiting, crippled over in agony, unable to walk from the pain. Alongside this I suffered many other symptoms, some of which it is only post diagnosis I realised were as a result of my endometriosis. Such symptoms included painful sex, mood swings, bouts of depressive feelings, painful and irregular bowel movements, headaches, nausea, heavy bleeding, pain pre and post menstruation, aching joints, painful legs and extreme fatigue. Despite recurrent trips to the doctors, pleading with health professionals to listen to me I was repeatedly turned away. Told that this was ‘normal’ and that it would ease with time. I knew that crying from sex because of the pain and having to wear multiple layers of clothing to bed but still leaking blood was not in fact ‘normal’. Not to mention the copious medication I was taking just to be able to function.
“Despite recurrent trips to the doctors, pleading with health professionals to listen to me I was repeatedly turned away”
It was then I decided to take matters into my own hands and began researching. I discovered endometriosis and it was shocking to me that despite my symptoms, no one had raised this condition to me. Fast forward numerous internal and external scans, vaginal examinations, consultations and a diagnostic laparoscopy I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis. I knew this would have implications for my fertility, being a hugely maternal person this was a significant worry to me. It was at my post op consultation that I was informed my chances of natural conception were low. I felt as if a weight had been lifted following the diagnosis but then dropped instantly back down, with this news crushing me. I am thankful that my long term supportive partner was there with me and took my hand into his as we together, with the specialist, made a plan. It was agreed that I would undergo a second, more invasive laparoscopy, prior to which I would be induced with a temporary menopause. My partner and I made the difficult yet easy decision that following my surgery we would begin trying to conceive as we were informed this was our best opportunity at a successful conception. Despite our desperation for a baby, this premature decision did mean sacrificing other plans such as wanting to buy a house or pursuing a career prior to children.
“I was informed my chances of natural conception were low. I felt as if a weight had been lifted following the diagnosis but then dropped instantly back down, with this news crushing me.”
Following my second surgery, despite the pain and tiredness, I was elated to hear that it had been a success. I had to allow my body time to heal and it took some time for my periods to return but once I was physically able we began the exciting, yet daunting journey of conceiving. Trying for a baby can be a stressful time for anyone, each month wondering why you were unsuccessful. However, with the time pressures and concerns placed on us this felt overwhelming. Yet after a few months we fell pregnant! Nine months later our beautiful baby girl was born and I sit here now writing this heavily pregnant with our second gorgeous girl! Whilst I am yet to know the long term outcome of my surgeries, currently I am beyond pleased with the results and will forever be thankful that this horrific journey led me to my precious girls.
“Trying for a baby can be a stressful time for anyone, each month wondering why you were unsuccessful . . . . Yet after a few months we fell pregnant!”