What are your endometriosis symptoms like? Symptoms range from stabbing pain to the feeling someone breaking up shards of glass on the inside of your pelvic area.
What was your journey to diagnosis like? I was diagnosed after a trip to the ER thinking my appendix had ruptured. My family doctor referred me to a gynaecologist. That took well over a year and a surgery.
What was your experience with treatment for endometriosis been? I’ve taken all sorts of non-pain meds, done physio and needles. None which have worked. 12 years years later I take a very low dose pain med that seems to be the only thing that works.
How does endometriosis affect your day-to-day life? Endo affects everything for me. Work, sexual life, social activities. If you don’t feel well, your not yourself.
How does endometriosis affect your emotional well-being? It increases your anxiety level because it’s on your mind constantly. It affects your chances of having children, so it keeps you up, you mind is elsewhere when your driving, working or even trying to be with your partner.
How has endometriosis shaped turning points in your life up until now and looking toward the future? It has impacted me greatly with starting a family. I’ve always wanted children and I don’t have any. I’m on meds, I’m having surgeries every 2-3 years and I’m too depressed to have sex.
How have you found hope and support in your endometriosis journey? Currently found a Facebook group and I’m glad there are so many other woman that have the same experiences as me. That’s it.
What do you think healthcare for endometriosis in Canada should look like? A whole hell of a lot better. I’ve had dozens of doctors look at me like an alien, waste of time. No wonder were all depressed, our medical professionals push us there. This a serious pain and a serious condition. Just because you can’t see, doesn’t mean its not there.
What do you think it is important for people to know about the experience of having endometriosis in Canada? Personal knowledge for starters. Listen to the person who is experiencing the disease.