The following stories have been shared by those living with endometriosis, for the benefit of everyone in the endometriosis community. You can read all of these personal stories online here (each story has its own page) or save the print-ready .pdf format. You will need Acrobat Reader 5.0 or better to be able to read them. Feel free to print copies for your personal use, and please respect copyright; kindly seek permission before publishing elsewhere.
Personal stories sharing experiences and practical hints can be of immense help to others. Please consider sharing your own valuable endometriosis experiences. You may choose to share just one brief aspect (eg Mirena IUD) and your story can be anonymous. If you are interested in writing your own story, please Contact us.
Personal stories sharing experiences and practical hints can be of immense help to others. Please consider sharing your own valuable endometriosis experiences. You may choose to share just one brief aspect (eg Mirena IUD) and your story can be anonymous. If you are interested in writing your own story, please Contact us.
Jess's Story (Huntly, September 2010)
My first symptoms of endometriosis happened at about 12 years old. Mum and I have spent the last 10 years being told by doctors that the pain was in my head.
Over the years I have had so many different painkillers thrown at me, until March this year when I was in so much pain I begged my doctor to sort it out, and she referred me to the Gynaecology Department at Waikato Hospital.
I saw a specialist in May and three weeks later I had diagnostic laparoscopic surgery. They found endometriosis in my Pouch of Douglas. My ovaries, uterus and one fallopian tube have been attached to my pelvic wall with scar tissue (adhesions).
I had a Mirena IUD inserted at the same time as the surgery. It has helped with excessive bleeding, but I am still trying to find the right pain relief. When the pain is really bad, I find a hot water bottle or heat pad helps to relax the muscles and makes the painkillers more effective.
I am still waiting for more surgery to remove the scarring.
I was relieved when I got the diagnosis because I now know why I am in pain. Sometimes it is hard to deal with the constant pain. When I’m feeling down, I turn to my scriptures. For those LDS members going through this, a priesthood blessing can really help.
Over the years I have had so many different painkillers thrown at me, until March this year when I was in so much pain I begged my doctor to sort it out, and she referred me to the Gynaecology Department at Waikato Hospital.
I saw a specialist in May and three weeks later I had diagnostic laparoscopic surgery. They found endometriosis in my Pouch of Douglas. My ovaries, uterus and one fallopian tube have been attached to my pelvic wall with scar tissue (adhesions).
I had a Mirena IUD inserted at the same time as the surgery. It has helped with excessive bleeding, but I am still trying to find the right pain relief. When the pain is really bad, I find a hot water bottle or heat pad helps to relax the muscles and makes the painkillers more effective.
I am still waiting for more surgery to remove the scarring.
I was relieved when I got the diagnosis because I now know why I am in pain. Sometimes it is hard to deal with the constant pain. When I’m feeling down, I turn to my scriptures. For those LDS members going through this, a priesthood blessing can really help.
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