I was very lucky to have been diagnosed and undergone surgery in less than a year. During the surgery the doctor referred to my internal situation as a “war zone.” She had to also remove my appendix since it was covered in endo cysts. I was off work for 6 weeks, it was a long recovery but I felt like a million bucks compared to how I was feeling pre-surgery. 
Read more

Endo affects everything for me. Work, sexual life, social activities. If you don't feel well, your not yourself. 
Read more

It took ten years for me to get diagnosed with endometriosis. I started having symptoms in high school, such as long and irregular periods, extreme pain during ovulation, and extreme pain during periods or leading up to a period. I think it took 4 doctors before one took me seriously.
Read more

I have struggled with severe anxiety and panic since my symptoms began. I would dread my period each month because I knew how sick I was going to be. Once the surgeries and invasive tests began it only worsened. I have insomnia and have gone though many bouts of depression and suicidal ideation.I struggle with incredible guilt and worry that I haven't been a good enough mother to my kids. I have been diagnosed with medical PTSD due to botched surgeries, post op complications and being dismissed by doctors.
Read more

I am 23 and would like to go back to school and get a university degree, I keep postponing this due to my health. It has been 10 years since I first had symptoms and I still have not made progress, meanwhile my life is on hold.
Read more

I was waitlisted for treatment and paid $35,000 to get surgery in the US at an endo centre. I had 5 more surgeries in Canada from 2000 to 2002. I am no longer a surgical candidate. I am only eligible for pain meds now. I was told my symptoms were a result of being a fat lazy Indian.
Read more

I had my first period at the age of 11, and it has been hell since then. I only got diagnosed at the age of 26 through a laparoscopic surgery to remove my appendix. I was constantly told by medical professionals that it was normal to have painful periods and that intensity of the pain was likely just all in my head. When I got diagnosed, I felt like the health care system failed me because I had been trying to get help for years.
Read more

I sometimes feel like giving up, like I can't go through it again, month after month. It takes so much energy and willingness out of me to go through the pain. Why me? Why is my body working so hard to put me through this? What is the point if my condition makes it so I can't have children? Imagine having contraction level pain every month but not being able to have children, what a cruel twist of faith. 
Read more

I have to be careful how I exercise or play with my kids because it can cause painful flare ups for a couple of days afterwards. The pressure and ache throbs inside my hips and radiats down my thighs making it difficult to focus and do my daily tasks. My toddler thinks it's great to watch movies all day, but there's definitely a fair bit of "mom-guilt" that comes with only being able to do the minimum some days. 
Read more