Mollie was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 20.  Now a year later, she shares her journey with us.

Mollie’s Journey: It all seems full circle to me after about 7 years.

At about 13 is when I got my first period and my symptoms began to start at 14 from what I can remember. What I do remember vividly is the pain, daily. My mother thought I was just trying to skip school because the only thing I could explain to her was that my tummy hurt. Any mother would think that a 14-year-old that complains of a “tummy ache” almost everyday is just trying to get out of class so I can’t blame her for any of that.

She took me to a doctor after some time to see if I had an dietary issues and the doctor concluded I was lactose-intolerant. I tried that for a couple of years, of course never worked. My mom figured maybe they were my cramps beginning to start so at the ripe age of 14, I went and got birth control.

At 16, I ran to my sister’s room to tell her that I was really starting to be in pain when I went to the bathroom. She told me that was normal, I probably had gotten a UTI and that she had one before, it was no problem. Pretty soon I was getting UTI’s and yeast infections monthly or so I thought. I went to my primary care doctor, they prescribed me antibiotics. Still happened monthly.

I then went went to my gynecologist, she decided to put me on a different BC. Didn’t work. I explained to her how bad my cramps were getting even in between my period. Cue ultrasounds for cysts! Nothing showed up. Through 4 doctors, painful examinations, and countless “it’s normal for a girl your age”s, I kept going, hopelessly.

At 18, I went to college that came with new doctors and questions. By this time I had been “diagnosed” with chronic UTI’s. Finally, I went home over a weekend during my junior year where I met a new doctor. She asked me if I had ever hear of Endo. It was the first time the word ever left my mouth and now it’s part of my everyday vocabulary. I will never forget that meeting. She spat out all the worst case scenarios that happen to women with this disorder.

The gynecologist I had seen since I was 14 decided to do my laparoscopy before I could even call my mom. I told them I needed to talk to my parents. I got a call the next day that my surgery was scheduled for 2 weeks later! I have midterms?! Of course the first thing that crossed my mind because I had no idea what was going on. Google was my friend at the time and oh how scared I got in a short amount of time. I told my dad who consulted friends to find me a second opinion.

The next doctor confirmed and proceeded with my surgery and did a Endometrial ablation. Surprise surprise! I was back almost every week following the two week mark of my surgery.

This is where I felt crazy. My doctor told me she had sorted it out. That it was done. The endo was gone. The pain is in my head because I had some sort of PTSD. I told her I was worried about kids. She told me I needed to see a therapist. I told her it feels no different. She told me my body wasn’t “used” to it yet. I was horrified. I left the doctors office wiping tears from my face.

That’s when I found Bloomin’ Uterus and this wonderful support group along with Nancy’s Nook. I decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Orbuch. She truly has been my angel in the dark and erased my resentment of myself. I cried tears of happiness in her office as she looked over my medical records. She explained to me that my Endo was very much still there and that the ablation had a “plastic melting” type of effect. That my pain was normal. That I need to go see a fertility specialist. That I need ultrasounds and physical therapy.

Most of all she gave me hope.

Two appointments later, I have been officially diagnosed with Endometriosis, Interstitial Cystitis, and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I know have excision surgery scheduled for December 11th and couldn’t be happier!!!

Words of Advice:  Trust yourself and your body. You know it better than anyone else. There will be many doctors, family, friends, and strangers that try to downplay everything you are feeling but you are a warrior.

The Last Word:: Most people will say I am too young to be vulnerable on social media talking about the female anatomy and to be in a support group but I think that is where my strength comes from. If anyone at all needs to talk to someone, I am always here!

If you would like to email Mollie, please feel free to.

I want to send a special Thank You out to Mollie for being brave enough to share her personal story, struggle, and victories with us today.  We are all wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery!  And please let us know if you need ANYTHING during your recovery ❤

And if YOU would like to share your story,please do so!  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.