Jen reached out to us to share her story about her diagnosis with Endometriosis.  Now seven years after she found out she had the disease, see how she’s doing today…AND if you’re in the Sarasota, FL, area and hosting any Endo events or need a local EndoSister, here’s your gal!

Jen’s Journey: I was 23 when I was diagnosed with endometriosis, it took Doctors 5 years to diagnose me, I was lucky it wasn’t longer like most. I never had bad periods, but I did have extreme cramping & headaches. I feel pregnant a lot of the time & unfortunately I have to deal with that feeling knowing I’ll never have another child because I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 28.

I never had a support system because no one understood how I felt & that was very frustrating for me, so I kept everything hidden deep within my soul. I’ve had 8 surgeries due to this awful disease have there’s a lot of people that know me & don’t have a clue that I live with chronic pain on a daily basis. The endometriosis has come back 3 times now after my hysterectomy, in the past year I’ve had 3 surgeries to remove the endometriosis. I’m thankful that I have finally found a doctor that listens & believes me.

I walk around tall & with a smile on my face even when I feel like I’m dying. I cry in the shower & toss & turn every night because of the discomfort. After surgeries, I’ll feel good for 3-4 months then boom….I’m in severe pain AGAIN.

Two years ago I met the most supportive man I never thought was out there, I’m grateful everyday for him, he tries his hardest to understand what I feel every single day. I also feel very guilty because I show no interest in sex with him because it’s extremely painful & my guilt leads me to trying to please him every single day.

I was also recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, having these 2 chronic illnesses is life altering. I’m learning how to deal with this more & more as time disappears. I’ve taught myself to meditate & relaxation breathing; I’ve also learned how to clear my mind from over thinking because it always ends in stressful situations & if I’m even the slightest stressed, I become very I’ll for days & sometimes even weeks.

Words of Advice for Us:  You’re not a lone! Do not allow this unfortunate disease to run your life, you show endometriosis who the boss really is!

The Last Word: Do not feel sorry for yourself every day. It’s completely normal to have pity for yourself & to be depressed; any human has that right because life is challenging even being as healthy as one can be. You just have to know when to pull yourself out of that mental breakdown so it doesn’t become worse or even permanent.

If you would like to contact Jen, you can email her at jvandyke85@yahoo.com.

I want to send a special Thank You out to Jen for being brave enough to share her personal story, struggle, and victories with us today.  You are a beautiful, brave, and strong woman.  Thank you!!! Please continue your meditative efforts, every little bit helps! And please, stay in touch.

And if YOU would like to share your story, you can do so by clicking here.  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.