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My Story

Hello! Welcome to my blog!

My Story So Far...

I am thirty three years old and live in South Wales in the UK. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in February 2011, during my first laparoscopy. I had always suffered with heavy and painful periods but just assumed it was 'normal'. My symptoms became really bad in December 2009 and I had a feeling then that something wasn't quite right. These symptoms included shooting and stabbing pains all across my lower stomach and my stomach started swelling to double, even triple its size. During my laparoscopy in 2011, endometriosis was found on my ovaries and all over my pelvic wall. After the operation I had a six month course of the hormone injection Prostap, which put me into a temporary menopause. I also had the Mirena coil fitted. Those next six months were a challenge. Side effects of the injections were awful and I was constantly bleeding. This lead to cramps so bad that I ended up on the floor for two hours in so much pain I was unable to move. I returned to hospital every month for my monthly Prostap injection and explained about my pain and symptoms. I was put on Norethisterone to stop my bleeding. I was an hormonal mess. Nine months after my operation, I went to see a private endometriosis specialist. Within twenty minutes I was told the Mirena coil was not inserted correctly. Because of this the cramps I had for the last nine months were the same that women get when in labour and having contractions. To my body, there was a foreign object inside me, not fitted correctly so my cervix kept on contracting to try and move it. It was taken out and those cramps instantly stopped.

Exactly one year after my first laparoscopy, I found myself back in the same situation. February 2012 I had my second operation. This time endometriosis and adhesions were found on my ovaries and it had spread to my bowel. The adhesions, which act like a glue, had stuck my ovary to my bowel and twisted it into a loop. My bladder had also been affected. Towards the end of 2012 I had found out that my leg and back muscles had been weakened and damaged due to endometriosis. My specialist explained that this had happened as I spent so much time over the last few years curled up in a ball to try and comfort my cramps. I was sent to Physiotherapy for this.

March 2013 I unfortunately lost my job. I had worked for my company for nine years and until endometriosis came on the scene, I had never had any problems there. I had to leave as management were going down the disciplinary route of job capability due to my time off and sickness in regards to endometriosis. It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make, but I knew I was physically incapable of dealing with the stress on top of the illness. 

September 2013, I was put on a second six month course of Prostap to see if it was endometriosis, adhesions, or a mixture of both that was causing my current pains. Again, the side effects for me were awful and I had continuous bleeding throughout. I was then told I needed a third laparoscopy. They were concerned that more cysts have developed on my ovaries and that endo had spread to my bowels again. As well as taking Tramadol and Paracetamol for the pain, I was prescribed Morphine.

In 2015 I had my 3rd laparoscopy. Endometriosis was found on my ovaries and removed, but cysts found on my bowel were left untreated. In 2017 I was lucky and blessed to have a beautiful little girl.

It is now 2020, Endometriosis is definitely back. I'm now trying to figure out how to go forward with managing the pain and symptoms again, with a 3 year old in tow!

I hope you find that are you are able to relate to my posts. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to comment on any posts or message me via the 'contact me' box. You can also find me on Twitter @my_endo_diary.

Thanks for reading!

Comments

  1. I've just stumbled on your blog from a google search. Thank you for your posts & blog and I'm so sorry to hear you have been/are going through all that. I am in awe of your strength, perseverance and courage. I hope you've recovered well.

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    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Thanks for reading my story. That's a very kind message thank you. Things have definitely been on the up lately! I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby and looking forward to her arrival! Endometriosis symptoms have eased off through the pregnancy which has been a lovely relief. I'm not sure what will happen when baby is born, but I will deal with that when/if it happens. I hope you are well.

      Delete
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    ReplyDelete
  3. Just been reading your blog, I hope all is well and you are now enjoying being a parent. I'm at the far end of the reproductive timeline and on Prostap prior to a hysterectomy due to large fibroids. Much love to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Charly. I’m really loving being a parent. Thanks very much. Endometriosis still rares it’s ugly head monthly although at the moment, not to the extent I had it before. I wish you all the best for your hysterectomy & hope everything goes well. Here’s to a speedy recovery and pain free future for you! x

      Delete

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Endometriosis: Post op

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