Symptoms

Various symptoms of Endometriosis

Endo & Liver Function

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Diagram of human digestive system

Most of my blogs are started out of my own curiosity, and this one is no different.

I’ve read in numerous sources that people with Endometriosis need to keep our livers in tip-top condition; well-greased and in proper working order.  I’ve seen a few Facebook posts from other EndoWarriors that they have heightened levels of *something* when they have a liver panel blood test done, and they wonder if their Endometriosis may have something to do with that.  That struck a chord with me because I have Gilbert’s Syndrome, which is a liver disease diagnosed through heightened liver panel results.

Does my Endo affect my liver’s functions? And does that, in turn, add to or affect my Gilbert’s Syndrome? My liver blood panel test results?

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Share Your Story : Lisa

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A red-headed pirate laughing and holding her tankard of ale

I realized that I’ve asked you to share your story, but haven’t actually put mine out there in one place (maybe a snippet here or there)….time to get everything out on paper so it leaves my head and heart (sorry it’s so loooooong…I couldn’t stop!).  I was diagnosed when I was 35 years old in 2014. 

My Journey:  I started my period when I was 12 or 13 years old.  I remember them hurting (but not as devastating as they have in my adult years), but figured it was normal.  I grew up hearing we were cursed because of Eve’s decision to sin, punished into pain and childbirth. I also heard that some of my family members had really painful periods. So again, it was normal. Classmates said they had cramps, too…so I figured mine were just normal. I became that girl in Junior High and High School that would walk around with a hoodie tied around her waist every month because I’d almost always overflow.  I had classmates come up to me during the really hard cramps, ask if I was okay, that I was white as a ghost and sweating…and I’d spend time curled up in the Nurse’s office after taking an Ibuprofen. But it was normal. Every girl went through this.  Right? My family physician had wanted me to go on birth control, but just to prevent “baby accidents” from happening, which I quickly dismissed since I had no intention of having sex. Little did I know BCP may have helped with the pain…

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Symptoms of a Normal Period

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A splatter of blood

So I’ve written a lot about abnormal periods caused by Endometriosis: extreme cramps, heavy bleeding, insane bloating, loooooong periods.  You’ve heard it all before.  But what constitutes a NORMAL period? I know they are supposed to hurt, you’re supposed to bleed, and you’re supposed to be uncomfortable. Just not this miserable. My Endo pain started in my teens. But I thought it was normal. So here I sit, curious : what is normal?

So, just for laughs, I figured I’d iron out the details of what a normal menstrual cycle is supposed to be like.  If anything, it may help me catch signs of my Endometriosis returning or worsening, or it may help you in some way…

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Endo & Ovarian Cysts

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Illustration of an ovary and fallopian tube

Many women with Endometriosis suffer from recurrent cysts on their ovaries.  But why? And what exactly is a cyst?

What is a cyst?

A cyst is an abnormal sac inside your body, completely enclosed, and it may contain liquid, gas, pus, fluids, semi-solid, or solid materials.  Imagine a blister, full of puss, tight and ready to be popped.  Now imagine that inside your body : a cyst is kind of like that.  However, if a cyst is full of puss, it is known as an abscess.  Cysts are typically non-cancerous, although some may lead to cancerous growths or tumors.  They are usually caused by an infection or clogging of the glands, although they may be caused by genetics, chronic inflammatory conditions, injury, cellular defects, or even parasites.

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How do you cope?

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A person crying and drying their tears with a cloth
Detail from Descent from the Cross, by Rogier van der Weyden

Hello ladies (and gents).  This blog entry will be reaching out to you for your input…

Many of us deal with depression or just plain sadness over Endometriosis and this incurable cycle.  How do you deal with it?

In the beginning I would stare into space and clam up, or get snappy and moody. While I was on Lupron Depot, I was a depressed lump.

I tend to create when I’m sad. I made the Bloomin’ Uterus logo on a sad day, which turned into a button, which turned into a walk, which turned into a blog, and now t-shirts are out there. All the money raised goes to the E.F.A. so I feel great about that.  And it’s a fun way to give back to a greater cause, embrace my retarded body, and brings a bit of beauty into my day.  And bring that same joy and beauty to YOU!

Also sharing my story with you readers, and having your stories shared with all of us, has been so overwhelmingly amazing.  It reminds me that I am not alone.  That others are where I am at, have been where I am, and have found relief!

So when the gloomy days creep in, I just look back and remember all that has happened SINCE my diagnosis.  All of the good we are doing. Together.  And it makes me forget about my individual incurable problem : it helps me focus on what I, and we, can do to help each other.

I’d love to hear how you cope.  Your answers may help myself and others with their need to deal, to cope, to overcome.  Feel free to leave a comment below. 🙂

Yours, Lisa

Share Your Story : Ginny

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A blonde woman smiling

Ginny was diagnosed when she was 31.  Now 37, Ginny lives in Arkansas with her wonderful husband.  Despite this happy ending, she continues to suffer from the pain and effects of Endometriosis, and continues ongoing treatment…and a hunt for answers.

Ginny’s Journey: My first hospitalization for severe abdominal pain happened at age 16. The intensity of the pain and internal bleeding had caused my blood pressure to drop to 70/30 and my body to go into shock. It was the first of many ER visits for similar symptoms but the only one taken seriously enough to admit me to the hospital overnight.

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Poor Posture & Pain

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Diagram showing poor posture

Growing up, you’re always told to “sit up straight” or “don’t slouch!”  I don’t know about you, but as an adult, I do anything but.

I spent most of this last weekend sitting at the computer wasting away on the internet, smooshed into a little ball on the chair. Either hunched over or leaning back into a curved husk.  And it got me thinking : what does bad posture do to my body? Internally. Mentally.  Physically. So, you know me : let the research begin!

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Reader’s Choice : I’m SOOO Tired

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Sleeping Beauty painting by Henry Meynell Rheam

An EndoWarrior came to me with complaints of fatigue, exhaustion, and a general lack of energy.  Is it related to Endometriosis?  If so, why?  And is she the only one who has to take 2-3 naps every day? Let the research begin!

Fatigue & Endo

Fatigue is one of the many common symptoms of Endometriosis.  But why does something growing in our bodies make us tired?  No one is really sure.  Some feel that it could be our body’s coping mechanism to the pain, it could be that our body’s immune system is working on overdrive to fight our inflammation, it could be from depression, or it could be due to the mental and physical stress people with Endometriosis endure.  It could even been some deeper unforeseen medical reason that nobody has figured out yet…

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Share Your Story : Mel

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Group of four women posing together for a photograph

Mel was diagnosed with Endometriosis when she was 21.  Now 28, Mel and her husband are hoping to expand their  family.

Mel’s Journey:  I was diagnosed and have had two surgeries since. Now trying to conceive seems harder then ever and about to go through IVF. But I am also very lucky to have such a wonderful family and a supportive husband with a fur baby! =)

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