Patricia was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Now 42, she lives in Montreal, and tells her tale now. It includes a progressively worsening diagnosis, a full hysterectomy, ongoing medical treatment, and 32 surgeries! Despite her medical efforts and treatment, she continues to suffer with the illness.
Patricia’s Journey: I was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 16. It wasn’t too bad at that point, but between the age of 16 to 21 it went to stage 4. So it was decided at the age of 21 to have a full hysterectomy, thinking it would be a cure. I also had tried all the medications that were available at the time to treat it. Nothing worked not even the full hysterectomy.
From the age of 21 until now I’ve had 32 surgeries.
Nothing would stop the endometriosis and at the age of 42 I now have it on my bladder and cysts around my pelvis. I never imagined this would be a life long fight against a disease I have no control over.
When I had my hysterectomy at 21 it was soul shattering, I thought I won’t be a real woman anymore. Like Pinocchio wasn’t a real boy, I was no longer a real woman. It also affects every part of my life, my relationships, my dreams, everything I wanted my life to be. It took a while for me to accept my fate but eventually I had no choice.
Till this day I fight chronic pain and this crazy disease called endometriosis. I will never stop fighting for myself and my fellow endometriosis sisters. We also fight for the next generation of women who may have endometriosis, we fight for them too.
We are 176 million women affected by endometriosis worldwide.
We deserve a voice and a cure 
.
Words of Advice: You will have days where you feel like giving up, but you are stronger than you think. We must fight together to find a cure. We must also lean on each other when things become overwhelming. We are stronger together in this fight than we would be alone
The Last Word: I wish the medical community would take endometriosis more seriously. When we come to you for help, don’t belittle how serious our pain is. We live in chronic pain that most cannot even begin to comprehend. We don’t want pity, we just want understanding, more awareness and a cure.
If you wish to contact Patricia, you can email her.
I want to send a special Thank You out to Patricia for being brave enough to share her journey with us today. And those strong words of encouragement!! THANK YOU! Wishing you luck in your future procedures and, as always, wish you relief. ❤ Yours, Lisa.
And if YOU would like to share your story, please let me know. The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoWarriors, and our friends and family, too.
Yours, Lisa.
Bloomin' Uterus 