Carole was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 25 years old.  Now 65, she shares her Journey with us.  And quite a journey it’s been!

Carole’s Journey:   Suffered excruciating pain ever since I started my periods at age 11. Trying to describe the pain, I can only compare it to a vacuum trying to suck my uterus out of my body. I could not even walk, and everybody (even my parents) thought I was faking…Until the day I did not go to a dance because of the pain. I saw a few doctors, who all ordered D&C. Finally (thru a friend’s recommendation to her gynecologist) I was able to get an appointment to see her gynecologist at age 25. He suspected it was endometriosis and ordered a laparoscopy and it was confirmed. Finally there was a reason and a name for all my pain! I was prescribed the painkiller “Talwin” – very strong and I was somewhat “stoned” and even “hallucinated” – which rendered me unable to function for 1-2 days each month at work (better than 7 days of pain without it). Married, I was trying to get pregnant, and even with fertility pills I could not. Exploratory surgery found I had endometriosis that had squished both my ovaries and a lot on my uterus: One ovary removed; then second ovary removed; and finally uterus removed. I was 27 years old. Although most of pain was gone I still had pain with my bowel. At 35 years of age I had 6 inches of my bowels removed as endometriosis was found squishing my bowel. I was so happy to see a commercial on television that talked about it. After all those years people are finally going to believe that ENDOMETRIOSIS is real !!! Thank you.

Words of Advice:  Don’t stop talking about the pain and what it is. Get a referral to a gynecologist. I had the best, Dr. Elaine Joly (now retired) at the General Hospital in Ottawa.

The Last Word: Want to see the endometriosis commercial more!

I want to send a special Thank You out to Carole for being brave enough to share her journey with us today!!   ❤ Yours, Lisa.

And if YOU would like to share your story, you can do so by clicking I’d love to share it!  The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoSisters, and our friends and family, too.

Yours, Lisa.