Chica B. was diagnosed in her 30s.  Now in her 50-somethings and living in Rock Island, Illinois, she wanted to share her story, and advice, with us.

Chica B.’s Journey:   Hi, yes I was diagnosed with endometriosis in my 30’s. I tried two different birth control pills due to my painful periods. Didn’t work. Then it seems that working out regulated my periods, less pain and I enjoyed my jogging, Tae Kwon Do classes, and volleyball activities. Then due to a bad divorce and the aftermath, I stopped exercising regularly or at least as I used to do, and my body started to get into the pain mode. Stiff muscles, lower back and leg pain, tailbone pain and rectum cramps. All this crazy symptoms always around my period. To be exact two weeks before.

I’ve been treated by a Chiropractor because I thought that all that exercise I did since my teens til now may have cause some misalignment on my bone frame an were the cause of my pain. I considered to try this to see if I could have any relieve. But no, still not. My actual problem is that my left leg hurt like nobody’s business from lower back, butt crack irradiating pain to my groin thigh and tingling sensation down to my heel. It hurts specially when I sit or walk long distance. Or simply standing. It came to the frustrating thing that if I try to lift my leg, the shooting pain in my groin goes bunkers.

My family Doc. Said to take Tylenol. My Chiro, do therapy, and ice packs. I said, keep exercising as much as you can, keep working. I need too. Rest as much as you able. Nothing seems to be working. I came across this article about endometriosis joint pain and I was right! I’m my 50, and exercising isn’t the problem at all. Not to be bragging, but when I’m feeling Rocky, I can exercise two hours non stop. Yes,I get super sore but my body recovers quickly. And I’m all happy. But boom! Period time and all these evil symptoms come slowly like a cat moving towards its prey. So now, I get frustrated because my fam doc said on my last pap, that she will see me in 5 years.

About my endo, she can’t do nothing due to my age to prescribe meds for the Endometriosis, and the last resource is surgery. So she prescribed me 500ml of Tylenol before my period. But, that doesn’t solve the leg pain issue. I guess I need to go Natural and see if that works. The Chiro, well, I will save the money to go to an Orthopaedic to make sure my spinal discs are healthy and the pain is not coming from that area. But I’m 100% sure my endometriosis its the cause and with a tilted uterus towards the spine.

I’m screwed.

Words of Advice: Get to know your body like a map. Don’t care if they told you, you are nuts. Get informed about any health issue you are going through. Do the research, but don’t get too crazy about it. Too much info will make you think you are dying. Get 3 gyno opinions don’t just get stuck with one. Ask questions, don’t settle for less. Your insurance pay, yes, but is your life. In my case, I pay, I need answers. Keep a journal if it possible. Like the article said, endometiosis can be misdiagnosed by something else and that will hurt you instead of helping you. Be specific. Be honest with your doctor. If he/she doesn’t explain or always is in a hurry. Fly, and find a good one. I’m sure there is a Dr. Who somewhere.

The Last Word: Good luck to all. Me, well, I will start my own therapy and hope for the better. Good luck Chicas😉

I want to send a special Thank You out to Chica B. for being brave enough to share her journey with us today!  And we all wish you the best of luck with your natural course of treatment and honoring your body.  Please feel free to return here and keep us posted on your progress.  Fight on, Sister.     ❤ Yours, Lisa.

And if YOU would like to share your story, please send it to me. 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.