What are your endometriosis symptoms like? Painful sex, crippling cramps, swelling before and after period, bloating, stabbing pains randomly.
What was your journey to diagnosis like? Always thought my painful periods were normal and I went in for my PAP exam when I complained about pain after sex. While my doctor was doing my exam it became so painful that I was literally in tears and screaming. He finished the exam and sent me to my OBGYN. My OBGYN setup a laparoscopy and it was diagnosed after that was complete. I had been through several years of painful periods and intercourse.
How does endometriosis affect your day-to-day life? I haven’t had sex in 6 years as I am too scared to face the pain that I know will happen. I avoid relationships pretty much 100%. I try my best to hide the everyday pain but constantly have pain relievers and heat bags. It has changed my diet and my entire way of life.
How does endometriosis affect your emotional well-being? I have more depression than I used to but my son is my rock. He helps me through the pain.