Leidy lives in Germany and was 35 years old when she was told she had Endometriosis. Now 42, she would like to share her story with everyone cares to read it. A battle which literally spans the globe in search of answers, a series of numerous misdiagnoses, and Leidy is one hell of a Warrior.
Leidy’s Journey: I am now 42 years old but since my first period, I have had problems.
My main problem is in my bowels. Which misled my specialists to find the correct diagnosis. The only issue I had, related to my period, was irregular bleeding.
Each month I bled during my ovulation. My period lasts sometimes more than a week. And I bled during sexual intercourse. The pain during the period was not severe and Ibuprofen usually was enough to alleviate the pain.
It’s pain journaltime! (No Youtube video this time…I’ve been waiting to have the time to record one, but May is almost over!!). Sorry about the tardiness.
What a week it’s been! Crazy at work. And endless chores and repairs at home. But one huge reprieve from a stressful week?
Doctor-ordered soaks in a hot bath for my healing bum.
They’ve been glorious. I’d forgotten how much I miss just relaxing in a hot, sudsy or epsom-salty bath. I even found a few “bath time meditations” on Youtube to further that relaxation.
“I love the magic of a hot bath, how time pauses and every grievance melts away.”
I’ve had one hellava week. On Tuesday I had two external hemorrhoids cut off and one internal hemorrhoid banded. So, sitting, walking, moving, ANYTHING-ing has been very painful. I’ve had to go to work every day since we’re short-staffed, and I’ve done a lot of standing at my desk. Ha.
But today…today I can actually sit without dying. I’m still in discomfort, but the bulk of the pain is gone. Which is beautiful.
And … bodily functions? Oh god, let’s not even talk about that. I’ll leave it at: OUCH.
But, today is just another day. And it will be over quickly, like they all seem to be. And we will never be able to get today back.
So, make the most of your today. Whatever that means to you. In whatever capacity you can.
I’m sorry I’ve been so silent this week; it’s been busy and hectic at work and at home. 😉 Home remodeling and repairs are going on…*whew* it’s crazy. But oh so worth it.
My beautiful mum; photo by Compass Media Productions 2019
Happy Friday! This one goes out to my Mum.
The very moment I had to schedule my first surgery for a suspected dermoid cyst, she was by my side…and was there every step of the way for my first surgery. My suspected dermoid ended up being an Endometrioma and I also received my Stage IV Endo diagnosis that day.
She cried in the hospital when the surgeon showed her my op photos, covered in the sticky darkness that is our illness. Misshapen adhesions winding through my body.
She held me as I screamed from pain recovering from the gas left in my body after surgery.
She fetched me a cool washcloth as I vomited from the post-op pain meds.
She’s dealt with my snappy and angry episodes while I am in pain or whacked out on meds.
And she’s been with me every step of the way since. The good days, the bad days, the great days, the sad days. For nearly the past seven years, along this Journey with me.
And she’s helped at every one of our Endo Awareness Walks.
And she worries about me.
But my favorite? She educates SOOOO many people about Endometriosis! And even has some friends and co-workers who have it, so she’s been there for them, too!
So, today’s is for you, Mum.
“All parents set out with expectations, hopes and dreams for their child. When a child is diagnosed with a health problem, these aspirations are altered. While one parent is hoping to see their child graduate from university, another is praying that they can live pain free”
Thank you for being there for me on this bumpy road. And I’m so sorry that you’ve been dragged onto this rollercoaster with me…but am so grateful to have you here, holding my hand, every step of the way.
I love you.
And to all you parents or pseudo-parents out there who support their own chronic illness warriors: Thank you!
Tharini is 24 years old and was diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2020 and lives in Epsom in the United Kingdom. She wanted to stress with us the importance of tracking your symptoms.
Tharini’s Journey: I was diagnosed with endo last year after suspecting for months. My symptoms include lower back pain and foot pain that really is bad. I also have classic endo symptoms like aching stomach and loss of blood each month too. I would sum up this by saying do not lose hope but merely insist on a appointment and then tests to check for symptoms that are indicative of endo.
It also helps to keep a diary of symptoms pertaining to your specific type of endo, what time of the month they occur etc as well. Never give up in other words, find a doctor who is really smart and caring at the same time.
I want to send a special Thank You out to Tharini for being brave enough to share her journey with us today! And I agree: tracking and sharing symptoms is OH SO IMPORTANT!! ❤ Yours, Lisa.
And if YOU would like to share your story, please let me know. The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoWarriors, and our friends and family, too.
(If you’d rather hear/watch me instead of read, here’s the Youtube video!)
April is half-way over and I’m just now publishing March? That should be an indication of how April has been going! Ha! I received my second Covid-19 vaccination in early April and had some dental work this week…both of which had knocked me on my butt and I’m JUST NOW getting to writing!
