Author: Bloomin' Uterus

Today’s visit with my Gyno

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Dr. Mel Kurtulus,recipient of the 2009 Patient's Choice Award
He’s absolutely earned this award.

So, today I had an appointment with my gynecologist and surgeon, Dr. Mel Kurtulus.  It was to discuss my Endometriosis symptoms, which I felt have been worsening.  My (two) July periods, and my August period were horrendous.  Going through my 2017 Pain Diary, March and April were also up there on the pain scale.  I was all prepared to go on in and ask for another surgery…and possibly a hysterectomy just to rid my life of periods (since that’s when most of my pain is present).  I know it’s not a cure, but it would most certainly help some…

Then, last Thursday evening I started my period: the night before I was to leave for a family camping trip…I was devastated.  I expected to be fully-medicated the entire weekend.  I packed my Naproxen Sodium, my Tylenol 3 with Codeine, my Tramadol, and my Zofran.  BUT…surprise surprise…my period cramps NEVER rose above a 1 (on a scale of 1-10) for pain levels!  I didn’t even have to take an Ibuprofen…the ENTIRE weekend!  (Insert elated exclamation here)

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Feel Good Fridays!

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Calm Volcano in Costa Rica

It’s FRIDAY!!! Already!?!  This week moved so slowly, but now that it’s over I feel like it sped by!

This week I’ve been privy to a lot of stories of pain, suffering, and strength.   Some incredibly heartbreaking. Others uplifting.  And once more I’m reminded that good things can rise out of crap and suffering.

Which inspired today’s quote…

“Remind me that the most fertile lands were built by the fires of volcanoes.” 
― Andrea Gibson, The Madness Vase: By Andrea Gibson

So, let it burn…then rise from the ashes, anew.

Girl with flame thrower at Burning Man
Me enjoying myself; Burning Man, 2011

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love, Lisa

Blogs updated this week:

Inflammation & Endo – added a new 2017 study regarding Endometriosis and inflammation.

Natural Products that I’ve Fallen in Love With – added facial lotion (Beauty Balm) by Orglamix.

Share Your Story: T.E.

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T.E. was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 28 years old.  Now 31, she shares her story with us:

T.E.’s Journey: I was diagnosed with Endo around 28. I saw my gynecologist for painful sex and cyst rupture after sex and he recommended me seeing an infertility doctor for possible Endo. I saw the specialist and he said I did have chocolate cysts and suggested surgery to get a good look at what’s going on. I had the surgery; I did have lesions and my chocolate cysts were drained. I also had a low count of eggs at the time so I had to decide if I wanted to have kids now or never so I never started the pill after surgery.

Fast forward six months, I was back in pain and now till this day, I have had new symptoms arise. Hip pain and the bottom of my feet are new symptoms. I walk for a living so it’s been difficult. I still get leg pain, which is not even around the time of my period and mood swings. I also get lower back pain and severe cramps. My infertility doctor says he can’t do anything else for me so I have been trying other ways. I saw a holistic doctor and went that way and it did help, but the pain came back. I’m going to try acupuncture soon. Wish me luck!!

I want to send a special Thank You out to T.E. for being brave enough to share her personal story and struggle with us today.  Wishing you the BEST of luck with acupuncture!! You are a beautiful, brave, and strong woman.  Thank you!!!

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.

Yours, Lisa.

Reader’s Choice: Small Endo, But Big Pain?

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Bloomin' Uterus logo surrounded by question marks

One of our readers, Jocelyn, emailed me this question:

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for doing this! I was diagnosed with Endo in May 2017. After of course many ultrasounds, bladder scans, colonoscopies… you name it. The laparoscopy in May only revealed 2 very tiny cysts on my ovaries. My doc was able to get a tiny sample sent it off and then after much debate, they gave me the Endo diagnosis. My pain was very severe. I could barely complete normal activities without taking either 800 mg of ibuprofen every 2-4 hours, tramadol, rest, etc. With that being said, my question is even if the Endo is so small can it still cause a great deal of pain? I’ve heard women who have Endo all over their bodies. I tend to question myself because the cysts were so small. I apologize for the ridiculously long response. It’s just been very heavy on my mind. Thanks for listening and all that you do!

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Feel Good Fridays!

| Bloomin' Uterus

Well, another week is behind us.  Welcome to Friday!

I’ve picked up a new hobby: knife throwing.  I’m completely new. I’ve had two short lessons with my mentor and I’ve been practicing this week.  Sometimes good.  Sometimes horrible.  And I’ve yet to be frustrated over the whole process…

That’s new to me and my mental state.  Normally if things aren’t going the way I want them to, I get frustrated, depressed, angry, upset.  So I sat back and pondered what was different about this endeavor.

And today’s quote answered that question:

“To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.” 
― T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph Over Death and Conscious Encounters with “The Divine Presence”

I know I’m new to the skill. I know I’m bad at what I’m doing.  And I know I can only get better.  I’ve stayed focused on the “I can only get better” aspect of this task, and have not dwelled upon the more frustrating failures I’ve experienced this week.  I want to compete. And I can only compete if I get better.  I’m holding on tightly to that end goal.

So, what are YOU doing (or are going to do) where this quote can help you?  Share about it in the comments below.  Whether it be learning a new “thing,” or making doctor appointments, or putting up with people that drive you crazy; how can today’s quote help you muddle through and beyond the frustration?

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Lisa

Painting and Endometriosis

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Our friend, Chloe, shared her Endometriosis journey here in an incredibly open and touching way. And how her illness may influence her artwork. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us, Chloe! ❤

chloe's avatarArt Inspired By Nature And The Cosmos

Some artists are like Bansky. A spectre flitting in and out of the public eye, full of mystery, but empty of identity apart from what their art projects.

And then there’s the other end of the artistic spectrum, the Picassos, the Dalis, those that make it a point to share their personal lives as much as their art. In both cases, these guys create a story around themselves which is rich, complex, often disturbing, sometimes scary, full of emotion.

I never expected to make many stories out of my art that were too much about me, in the most direct sense of the word. I’ve always talked about my art for what it is; my awe and passion for all things nature, my shrewdly optimistic, David Attenborough-narrated view of the world.

But a chronic illness can somewhat change your perspective. Of yourself, which ultimately changes your perspective of your art.

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Feel Good Fridays!

| Bloomin' Uterus
A stream of white light piercing the darkness

What a busy week it’s been! Sorry!! I miss researching and writing, but haven’t had any time as of late!

BUT, it’s FRIDAY! And I have a tradition to uphold! 🙂  I hope you’re all having a safe and wonderful week and plan to relax this weekend.  This week’s quote is inspired by those who are helping the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

“Step out today not seeking to be in the spotlight but seeking for a spot to light – be a blessing to someone”
― Bernard Kelvin Clive

I love this one.  May you find a life to change today and this weekend.  Even if it’s as small a gesture as a smile or a “How d’you do?”

Yours, Lisa