Year: 2015

Truth, Theory, or Tall Tale?

| Bloomin' Uterus

You may say, “I don’t know anybody that has Endometriosis.”

Theory

One in ten people born with a uterus suffer from Endometriosis.  Many suffer in silence because it can be an embarrassing disease, laden thick with affiliations toward periods, menstrual flow, sexuality, and stereotypes.  Chances are that you know someone who has Endometriosis, or know someone who knows someone that has it.  And you know what else? Famous people have Endo : Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton, Pamela Anderson, and Hillary Clinton are just a few.  There are so many.  And it is suspected that Marilyn Monroe also had Endo.  See?  You know someone who has it.  Might as well learn the signs and symptoms…

Susan Sarandon speaks out about Endometriosis at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Blossom Ball, an annual fundraiser

And Whoopi spoke at another EFA Blossom Ball event

I appreciate these women so very much for taking the time out of their busy schedules and speaking out about this disease.

Our Endo Awareness/Support Walk is in Six Months!

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2015 Endo Walk group photo
2015 Bloomin’ Uterus Endo Awareness & Support Walk

The Bloomin’ Uterus Endometriosis Awareness & Support Walk is only six months away! Six months!

With that exciting realization, I followed up with the Endometriosis Foundation of America this morning to check on the progress of their 2014 financial audit.  As you are likely aware, any funds I raise for the walk are donated directly to the Endometriosis Foundation of America.  Gofundme, in partnership with Wepay, take their small percentage of each donation for a service fee, but the rest of the funds go to the EFA.  I don’t see one cent.  The same is true for any Bloomin’ Uterus t-shirt sales (these will go live again in late January 2016) – 100% of the profits are directly donated to the EFA.  I, again, do not see one penny.  I wanted to make sure that your (and my) donations actually went toward research, education, and awareness.  Not my pocket.  Not venue fees.  Just exactly where it should be going: education and research.

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Feel Good Fridays

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two white teddy bears hugging

Happy Friday!!!!

Today’s quote is by American author, Sean Covey (well known for his 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens books):

“You shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself.  Every so often, everyone needs to give themselves a big ol’ bear hug and treat themselves to some TLC.”

Yes, this goes for you. And you.  AND you.  And you there, hiding in the back.  This one’s for you, too.  And all of your friends.  Spread this one around like wildfire.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yours,

Lisa

Truth, Theory, or Tall Tale?

| Bloomin' Uterus

Physical therapy may help improve Endometriosis pain, pelvic pain, and adhesion pain?

Theory

There is a lot of claims, research, and studies out there that physical therapy can help improve pain and symptoms associated with Endometriosis and adhesions.  More on this topic will follow in a few weeks on this blog.  But there are many, many, MANY patients and facilities stating that physical therapy has helped with their pain.  Whether it be pelvic floor therapy, the Wurn technique, or other PT, it may be an avenue of treatment you may wish to pursue.  Because it works for some women, but not all women, I’m classifying this as a theory.  And will most certainly be looking more into it in the very near future.

Have a great and pain-free day.

Yours, Lisa

Reader’s Choice : Letrozole & Endometriosis

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Bottle of Letrozole
Photo courtesy of JLD

One of my local EndoWarriors has started a new medication to help with her Endometriosis pain and symptoms, based upon the recommendation of her new physician.  It’s Letrozole, which I had never heard of.  And she asked me if I had any info on it…so…now I’m inspired to do some research!

What is Letrozole?

Letrozole is the generic name for Femara, a drug classified as an aromatase inhibitor.  What is aromatase?  It’s an enzyme that is crucial in the creation of estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors have been FDA approved for treating breast cancer in post-menopausal patients.  However, it has piqued the interest of the medical community in controlling Endometriosis symptoms.  It is not yet FDA approved for this treatment, but is used as an off-label, accepted treatment among the medical community. As of today’s research, there are no indications that drug manufacturers are going to seek FDA approval for aromatase inhibitors to treat Endometriosis.

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Feel Good Friday

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Sir Didymus, a character from Labyrinth

It’s Friday!!!  Today’s Feel Good quote is by Mandy Hale (a blogger turned author):

“It’s OKAY to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.”

Whatever it is that’s going on, it is absolutely okay to be scared.  Just remember that you’re not alone; we’re all here holding your hand while you go through this.  And you are incredibly brave for what you are about to endure.

You’ve got this.  You really, really do.

As one of my favorite characters, Sir Didymus, once said to his faithful steed, Ambrosius, “Just close your eyes and go!”

Sir Didymus riding a dog across a bog

Share Your Story : Michelle

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Text that reads don't be fobbed off

Michelle had suffered with the pain associated with Endo long before she was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 21.  Now 52, she lives in Bury, Lancashire in the UK. Her story is one of the more dramatic ones I’ve read so far:

Michelle’s Journey:  I had excruciating period pain from being 16. My doctor at the time told my mum I was hypochondriac and could not take pain. We all believed him.

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Endo, Medications & Sunburns

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Illustration of sunshine

So, like a lot of other people with Endometriosis I’ve done a few things : 1) Lupron Depot injections, 2) NSAIDs, and 3) birth control pills.  Each of these medications, and any type of hormone treatments, can make a person susceptible to sunburns or sun sensitivity.  This past weekend I was out and burnt the tops of my hands, and man did it happen quick and did it itch!!  Ugh.  Which got me curious: why does it make me more sensitive?  I remember reading in my Lupron and birth control packets about the sun sensitivity warning.  But what’s going on with my body? Time for research!

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Truth, Theory, or Tall Tale?

| Bloomin' Uterus
fetus

Endometriosis is found in fetuses.  So, wait, we could just be born with it?

Truth

So, one of the many theories out there about the origins and causes of Endometriosis is that you’re simply born with it.  It may not be widely accepted, but is there proof?  Yes.  In 2012, a study was published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology which studied the remains of 101 female fetuses.  In a separate 2009 study, they previously studied 49 of those fetuses; however, in this study they focused on the remaining 52 fetuses.  Of those 52, four of the fetuses had “glandular structures outside the uterine cavity, clearly resembling the structure of the primitive endometrium and expressing estrogen receptor.”  These were found in the typical locations of Endometriosis: rectovaginal septum, the Douglas pouch, and near the wall of the uterus.  Combining the results of their 2009 study with their 2012 study: of the 101 fetuses examined, nine exhibited these traits.  That’s 9%.  Sound familiar?  One in every 10 women…

Of course, more research is needed, but it does feel good to read of some scientific proof to this theory.