Dorette's Story
"People mistakenly believe because you’ve had surgery, you should be fine now. I still have a lot of pain."
MY EXPERIENCE
My experience I started getting problems from my first period aged 13. However I wasn’t diagnosed until aged 19. My endometriosis resurged about 18 months ago. How many ways can you say ‘Ouch?’ The main symptom is pain. I have chronic pain in the pelvic area, painful menstruation, pain when my bladder is full and pain when I empty. I also have referred pain in my back, thighs, hips and knees. I have been treated with an injection in my stomach, the rest of my treatments have been surgical and tablets, liquids, patches - all to treat the pain. I have a series of different types of painkillers and dependent on the severity of the pain and the area of the pain, I use different ones. Sometimes, a combination of them. It’s become quite a skill determining what works.
I have Stage 4 endometriosis so I had a bowel resection in August 2013. I think one of the things I’ve struggled with is that people mistakenly believe because you’ve had surgery, you should be fine now. I still have a lot of pain. Also putting on a brave face can be hard. It’s seven steps from my bedroom to my bathroom. I know this because I’ve counted them, because on a regular basis I steel myself to make the walk.
ENDOMETRIOSIS AND A ‘NORMAL’ LIFE
Life hasn’t felt “normal” for quite sometime. As a trained nurse, I know and have been taught the value of talking therapy. Endometriosis does not only affect you: it affects your family, your partner, your children, often your siblings – in fact, I have a close relative with endometriosis, too. Dependent on how we may feel, the affects can be transferred without intention onto other people in the family. No area of my life is untouched, even intimacy.
If you experience pain during sex it can be difficult for your partner too, men don’t want to cause you pain, so lots of talking about it together helps - it’s just making sure you take the little steps to help make your situation that little bit lighter. My family help out a lot with tasks which I am unable to do at the moment and this helps to alleviate some of the strain on me. I try to remain as active as I can and to just take one day at a time.
- Dorette
Gloria's Story
"Doctors told me that due to low hormone levels, it was unlikely that I would carry the baby full term."
MY EXPERIENCE
I was first diagnosed with endometriosis in Colombia – where I grew up – when I was 27, at the time I had no partner but had been advised to have children as soon as possible or I may have problems conceiving. However, sometimes the time just isn’t right to have babies straight away.
When I was 31, I did then meet my husband so it became an option. I became ill and was brought into hospital with appendicitis. When doctors investigated, they suspected I had endometriosis in my appendix. I was soon brought in for a laparoscopy to tell for sure, but it was cancelled. At my appointment for a laparoscopy I had a blood test which showed I was pregnant. Doctors told me that due to low hormone levels, it was unlikely that I would carry the baby full term. They suspected that I would have my period within the month and a miscarriage. They were correct – I miscarried and lost my baby. In light of what I’d been advised – that I should not too wait long to have children - this was really upsetting; I had the further challenge of trying for another baby and of conceiving again.
The investigations into my endometriosis showed I had Stage 3 endometriosis already. I was given surgery. Soon after, I became pregnant again, naturally. My baby girl, Sophia was born 12 months ago and she is really precious.
HAVING MY BABY
Having recently had my baby I wanted to breastfeed. Breastfeeding has been a brilliant experience, mostly because I have not had any periods! I have been pain-free and this has been a real break from normality. When trying to get pregnant I researched a lot about endometriosis and went on many websites to find out more. I tried acupuncture for about three or four months and took supplements. I also took up Yoga and ate more healthily than before.
I hope to have another baby soon after I stop breastfeeding, and intend to take up the same measures to keep me to be at my best for conceiving. I’ve been studying to be a health coach and I hope one day be able to help other women who’ve suffered from endometriosis.
- Gloria