Author: Bloomin' Uterus

Share Your Story : Dimples

| Bloomin' Uterus
A smiling baby and text that reads People with dimple have a divine role in this universe: smile

Dimples, who wishes to remain anonymous, was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 20.  Now 21 and living in Cincinnati, Ohio, she’s started her EndoJourney last year.  She’s also recently started her Blog, EndoAnonymous.  And now she shares her story with us .

Dimple’s Journey: Hi! My code name is Dimples. ( my blog is anonymous). Starting to write this post has made me realize that sometimes I still operate in the “denial” stage of acceptance. Anyway it’s pretty obvious my diagnosis is still rather fresh, my Endo was found because my body has a surprising ability to produce large cysts on a whim. My periods had always been a little… off. My mother being the only female in the house and uncomfortable talking about these things assured me, the pain was normal even as it got worse, that the large clots happen, that some women’s periods were simply heaviers.

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Feel Good Fridays!

| Bloomin' Uterus
macramé and beaded flowers

It’s Friiiiiiiiiiday!  Today’s Feel Good quote is by Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (more popularly known as Rumi), a 13th Century Persian poet, theologian, and scholar.

“Even when tied in a thousand knots, the string is still but one.“

This one really struck home for me. Despite all we go through, the pain, the suffering, the depression, the anxiety, the surgeries, the medication, the diet changes, the supplements, the hormonal ups & downs; we are still completely whole. Let me say it again, “…completely whole…”

And remember, a series of knots may form something beautiful.

And this holds true to anyone. Not just my EndoSisters.  Anyone. Whatever you are battling, whatever has you tied up in knots : you are still whole. It’s just harder to see (and feel).

But you are. We are. Whole and beautiful.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Yours, Lisa

Endometriosis Adhesions : what are they?

| Bloomin' Uterus
taffy pulling machine

A lot of women who suffer from Endometriosis also have adhesions.  You may have heard the term “adhesions” but just don’t know exactly what they are, or what they do. Well, I’m here to help!

After my first excision surgery in June of last year, I was told that I had adhesions which needed to be cut and/or removed. What the heck?  My doctor described it as scarring which acted like spider webs, stretching from organ to organ, entangling my organs, or even stitching two organs together.  These restrictions are known to cause intense pain if the organ’s movements or function are limited in any way. They may also cause infertility if the Fallopian tubes are blocked due to the woven-web of adhesions, preventing the egg from traveling to their wonderful, spongey, wet, warm home.

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Share Your Story : Andy

| Bloomin' Uterus
text that reads Live every day to its fullest

Andy was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 23.  Now 29, Andy hasn’t let her diagnosis slow her down:  She’s earned her Ph.D., is always active and continues to increase her physical activity.  She also loves to bake and spend time with her family and fur-babies on the coast of Australia.  Her positive attitude is an inspiration!

Andy’s Journey: I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008, during the first year of my PhD at the age of 23, after five years of severe pain and being bounced around from one doctor to another. Some doctors told me I was overacting and that it was “just period pain”, whilst one doctor told me it was PCOS. From the age of 18 I was taking Yasmin for the control of a few cysts a scan had found on my ovaries at that age. However Yasmin did nothing to control my pain and in fact after five years I developed more cysts and horrible headaches.

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Q&A Interview Pending

| Bloomin' Uterus
Lotus blossom with text that reads Q&A

Interviews of Dr. Appleyard and Dr. Flores (two leading Endometriosis researchers in Puerto Rico) are in the works!  They were two of the investigating team for the stress studies referenced in my recent blog.

Each has graciously agreed to sit down with me (virtually) and answer some questions about Endometriosis! I’m so very excited for this opportunity! But I want to share this opportunity with YOU!  If you have any questions you would like me to include, please leave your questions in the Comments below! I plan on submitting my questions by the end of this week.

Yours, Lisa

I need your help…

| Bloomin' Uterus
morse code for SOS

So this upcoming Thursday I have an appointment with my gyno/surgeon.  On January 15th, I will have my last Lupron Depot injection, and afterward will have a sit down with my physician to discuss what’s next.  I last met with him four months ago to discuss how I was feeling after my surgery, and what to expect in the future.

At that time, we discussed continuing the Lupron Depot injections for the full six-month course (which I’ve done) and after the completion of the injections, going onto a continuous birth control pill to help control the Endometriosis growth and pain.  He said the choice of B.C. was up to me, and after a lot of research and talking to friends who are nurses and attorneys (who have handled several mass tort cases against certain birth control pills), I’ve decided to try taking Lybrel (generic name Amethyst).  If B.C. doesn’t help with the pain, he ultimately feels a hysterectomy would be the best choice.  After all of the reading and research I’ve done, though, we all know it’s not a guarantee…

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Share Your Story : Nikkia

| Bloomin' Uterus
Nikkia

Nikkia was diagnosed when she was 23 years old.  Now 31, she lives in Arizona and she and her husband are trying to conceive their second child.  Please keep them in your prayers as they are facing the difficult decision of a hysterectomy due to the complications of her illness.

Nikkia’s Journey: Endometriosis has a long history in my family. My grandmother passed away at a young age of endometrium cancer (the lining of the uterus). My mother has had two surgeries to removed fibroids to the point it didn’t help so they did a partial hysterectomy. For me I started noticing sharp pelvic pain when I was 22 . My husband and I was trying to conceive but was unsuccessful.

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Feel Good Fridays!

| Bloomin' Uterus
a castaway on a deserted island after a shipwreck

It’s Friday!  And here I sit with a head cold, sniffles, body aches, and a 100.6 degree temperature.  So I’m going to write this entry, eat some miso soup, and head back to bed.  But was inspired by my miserable state for today’s Feel Good quote.

Sasha Azevedo is an American model and actress:

“I certainly don’t regret my experiences because without them, I couldn’t imagine who or where I would be today.  Life is an amazing gift to those who have overcome great obstacles, and attitude is everything!”

So remember whatever you may be going through, have strength and courage.  Keep your attitude positive. You will overcome this.  We are not alone, you have the support of your friends and family, and EndoWarriors.

Yours, Lisa

Share Your Story : Angela

| Bloomin' Uterus
A woman with brown hair wearing glasses

Angela was 29 when she found out she had Endometriosis.  Now 32, she continues to have pain and problems, despite several excision surgeries.  She lives in Darwen in the United Kingdom and she and her fiancé are the proud and happy parents of their fur-baby, Alfie. They continue to push on and live, despite these difficulties.

Angela’s Journey: I’ve always struggled with painful and heavy periods since the age of about 14. I was used to going months without one and then the floodgates would open and the Hell would start again. When I was 18 I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. To be fair I was quite lucky with my symptoms. Yes I put on weight but thankfully I didn’t develop excess hair. It was manageable. I was prepared for potential fertility issues but I wasn’t overly concerned. And then it all went wrong. So so wrong.

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