RDS is a 40-year-old woman living in Turkey, struggling to find answers and the medical care she needs.

RDS’S Journey:

I have had issues with my lower abdomen for years. It was always worse during my periods. Three weeks ago a new pain came on my right hand side. I thought it might be appendicitis, so I went to the emergency department. The doctor’s first performed an ultrasound, but couldn’t get a good view of the appendix. It was agony them pushing and searching for the appendix. In actual fact the appendix was behind the ovaries. Because the pain was intense they suspected appendicitis and performed a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Whilst operating however they discovered the reason why they couldn’t get a good view of my appendix: It was literally stuck to the right ovary. They said only the end of the appendix was inflamed and there was something around my ovaries. They cleaned that up, consulted a gynecologist, removed the appendix, then stitched me up.

I wish my Turkish was better to understand what was around the ovaries but I highly suspect endometriosis. The doctor’s did not give me any other advice ( it was a public hospital. In and out like a conveyor belt) and I was sent home. But I’m still getting pain and I think a gynecologist is the next point of call.

Our Response to RDS:

Hi RDS! I don’t have your email or a way to get in touch with you, so I hope that you can find this blog entry.

If you do find this, please email me. My gynecologist and excision surgeon is here in the United States, but he’s from Turkey. Perhaps I can ask him for any recommendations of where you might go to seek the medical care you need.

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I want to send a special Thank You out to RDS for being brave enough to share her personal story, struggle, and journey with us today. We wish you all the best in seeking your medical care and answers. And will be praying for you.

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