Endometriosis: Finding the Silver Lining

As you may know, we host a support group of EndoWarriors here in San Diego. Our online community on Facebook also has Southern California EndoSisters, and some that have moved away from us. But we have quite a tight-knit family.

Recently, we’ve been looking to find the positive spin in our illness and diagnosis. And I wanted to share that with you today (and I’ll be updating it as we receive new thoughts).

If you would like to let us know what positive things Endometriosis has brought to your life, please feel free to contact me. I’ll add you to our collection of Silver Linings:

1) My pain and suffering were validated, 2) I found you Warriors, 3) We’re changing lives and helping others, 4) I’ve found a surgeon who gives me my life back albeit every few years, 5) I’ve learned to better honor my body when I need those all-important Self-Care days, 6) and I’m no longer embarrassed to talk about my period or pooping or bringing a box or tampons or Fleet enemas to the cash register. ~Lisa Howard, 1/30/19

1. I’ve learned that chronic illness doesn’t drive loved ones away, it just shows who truly cared in the first place.
2. Endo warriors are the most amazing women I’ll ever meet and greatest friends I have made in my adult life.
3. Endo forced me to change my diet much much healthier, I’ll give you credit for that endo 😂😂😂
4. That I’m so much stronger than I give myself credit for! ~Michelle Barninger, 1/30/19

That I need to care for myself. I’m glad the pain wasn’t all in my head like I was told for years. ~Carissa Almanza, 1/30/19

1–I’ve been reminded to trust my gut and push for what I feel is right. 2–Learning to listen to my body even closer than I did before and to give myself space and time and comfort. 3–Working to find the treatment plan/things that work for ME. 4–Paying it forward. You guys have helped me to feel confident (and knowledgeable) to do that. TODAY… I felt like I was having a mental breakdown…started crying and feeling a lil crazy. I stopped to listen and realized what was really happening is that I had to poop and I think my body was working so hard to move it out — besides waste, my body was also getting rid of emotion, anxiety and toxins and junk. I felt 100 times better after–mentally and physically. ~Anonymous, 1/30/19

Everything that I’ve gone through since 15 wasn’t in my head, I’m not a wimp and I WAS right when I felt something was wrong.
I can now help educate and bring awareness to women and teens around me so they don’t have to fight as hard as I did (hopefully).
Learning to understand my body more now than ever! Also learning how to chill so my body can attempt to recover a bit. ~Starr Stanonis, 1/30/19

I’ve learned to use my voice and speak up about my endo. I tell people the truth and that it’s not just a small pain or a bad period it’s a change in my lifestyle I’m learning to adapt to.
I’ve gained some awesome friends/endo sisters/warriors.
I’ve learned theres awesome support systems to help you deal with everything even when those closest to you dont always understand no matter how you try to communicate it. ~Kristen McDonald, 1/30/19

I love these! You guys are awesome! 💛🌼

Endo has taught me that listening is just as important as speaking up, that self care is just as important as caring for others, & that I’m stronger than I look. 😉💛 ~Heidi Baurmann, 1/31/19

I love this idea!! One thing comes to mind. I’ve gained my voice! I’ve always had a hard time telling others how I feel, especially if it is negative. This disease has made me step up and say what I feel, how I feel, what I’ve learned and what I want/need!! I still have hard days were I cower and can’t speak (my last drs appointment) but I’ve come a long way in this area and am proud of myself for that growth. I love you ladies so very much!! 💛💛💛 ~Lisa Pajak, 1/31/19

1- because of Bloomin Uterus I have gained strength in my words
2- I’ve learned to speak out for myself and have faith in what I know
3-I’ve met some of the most incredible, brave and strong women.
4-I get to use my photography to spread awareness globally about a disease that affects everyone on the planet and will hopefully bring change for better care and understanding.
5-I’ve learned to understand my body and it’s needs beyond Endo.
6- because of you Lisa Howard my life is better. ~Brandy Sebastian, 1/30/19

I know more about my body now, literally have learned so much about functioning and just general knowledge of human anatomy. That I am definitely not alone, it might feel lonely but millions are struggling so I am grateful for support and and knowing that I am not crazy. My thoughts and feelings aren’t off or nuts. I really am ill and that is okay as long as I’m pushing towards wellness. ~Amanda Dahlin, 1/31/19

(Updated March 25, 2019)