Living with Endometriosis

Hi,

I am 33 years old, have had Endrometrosis since I was young, I was diagnosed when I was 18, told that I could not have any children, but guess what I have an 11 yr old and am now expecting twins.

It is hard, not just knowing that you have a condition that could take over your life, especially if you let it and then to be told that you are never able to have children - being so young and seeing your hopes for a family disappear, it don’t help if you don’t have an understanding consultant.

My symptoms were similar to the ones in your story, I was taken into hospital many times for suspected Appendicitus eventually my gp referred me for a laproscopy, that was what confirmed my diagnosis.

I had tried many forms of treatment, was on painkillers pernamently, living every month by month. I learnt from time that I had to deal with this, or allow it to ruin my life, then at the age of 21 I was told I was pregnant not just pregnant but 20 weeks already gone.

Again the Endometrosis returned and I was back on the treatment.

11 years on, just found out that I am 19 weeks pregnant, with TWINS. This does not mean that I have been given the all clear, but gives me a break from the pain for as long as it lasts - and that I am grateful.

I must admit - a recent treatment of HRT has been a life saver, I managed to stop the painkillers and even have what appeared to be a monthly cycle for 4 months prior to what would have been conception, everyone is different and respondes and reacts to treatment differently, but a GOOD GP can make a difference, I tried 5 GP’s was told by one that I was a hypocondriac so I just found one that understood about the condition.

My moral is keep going, locate the GP that understands about the condition and then the appointments get easier - always try to keep the same GP as they get a better understanding for your symptoms as well as the condition that relates to you.