I haven’t been writing much, or reading anything at length, for over a yea now. ​When people ask why I’m so tired all the time, or why I’m gripping my lower abdomen in pain, why I have trouble sleeping, why I need to be alone in the bathroom or curled in bed so often… I will sometimes tell them,

“I have Endometriosis.”

The inevitable response is usually along the lines of, “What the heck is Endo-what’s-it?”

Most people have never heard of it, and it hits women in varied ways. Approximately 8% of women (5 million) have it in the U.S. alone. Though many don’t get treatment or a diagnosis for it.

The basics (Fair warning, medical terms and descriptions):

* Extremely long menstruation, and occasional spotting in between. I’ve been told a normal period is 3-5 days. Mine are 7-10. It’s hell.
* Severe menstrual pain. “Isn’t that just period cramps,” you ask? Uh, no. Pain when ovulating. Pain during sex. Pain after sex. Pain during pre-menstrual time (PMS), and yes, period cramps much worse than normal. Knife twisting in the gut pain.
* Endo-Fatigue which is debilitating and causes constant lethargy. You feel like doing nothing, but can never get fully rested.
* Chronic pain in the lower back, pelvis, and calves.
* Chronic intestinal pain and discomfort.
* Painful bowel movements leading to hemorrhoids, and painful urination during menstruation.
* Trouble getting pregnant can occur if you need a laparoscopy or don’t have any treatment.

For me it is all of the above. I had no trouble getting pregnant, but that is because I was on birth control to manage the symptoms for over 5 years and still young. I am always tired, always feeling discomfort somewhere, and always aware that I have this issue. Try planning a vacation around week long periods! I am bleeding 9-12 days out of 30. Just yesterday I was speaking to a group at work and had to excuse myself to the bathroom after doubling over in pain complete with hot flashes and a migraine. Much of the time, I forget I have it…

What the heck is it?

Endometriosis happens when tissue that is normally on the inside of your uterus or womb grows outside of your uterus or womb where it doesn’t belong. Endometriosis growths bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does every month — during your menstrual period. This can cause swelling and pain because the tissue grows and bleeds in an area where it cannot easily get out of your body.

What can you do to help a person with Endo?

~ Recognize they have the illness, for a start. Do not say, “You’re always tired, have some coffee!” Or, “Have you tried Midol?”
~ Don’t invite them to have Mexican if you know they have stomachs issues. If I get invited to Mexican one more time…
~ Don’t get pissed when they don’t want sex if you are dating or have a partner with Endo. Would you want it if you knew you’d start crying in pain?
~ Understand that Chronic pain with endo comes and goes, so they can be perfectly capable one day, but unable to make dinner or walk through the grocery store the next.

This is me. Like I said at the onset, endometriosis effects everyone differently. I hope I’ve helped educate everyone this writing reaches, and I can get back into reading and writing soon!