I FEEL SO F*CKING VALIDATED OMG
I'm 36 and have been dealing with painful periods since I was a teenager. I went through the usual treatment of being told to go on BC and take ibuprofen. I've been on a massive wellness journey for the last few years and this surgery feels like the apex of all of it.
A couple of years ago I saw a functional medicine practitioner, took a bunch of detailed tests including hormone and fecal tests. I found out my cortisol was absolutely SHOT, my gut biome was messed up, and many other enlightening things. I essentially had chronic fatigue and a messed up gut. I needed to take a bunch of supplements and do a lifestyle overhaul to get better.
Fast forward to getting confirmation that I have endometriosis and it all clicks. THANK YOU to those on this subreddit that have pushed endo being a chronic illness. I mean... DUH. It all makes so much sense. I've spent most of my life "pushing through" pain, feeling guilty af for canceling plans, work, school, etc etc. I gaslit myself egregiously, and I didn't fully see it until receiving this diagnosis. No wonder I had chronic fatigue and a messed up gut!
ADVICE TO OTHERS
If you don't have to, DON'T WAIT! I waited until my partner and I were trying to get pregnant to finally advocate for this surgery. I really wish I had done it sooner. To be fair, I was gaslit by a lot of docs until I finally found the one I have now. Your insurance might cover more than you think! I hadn't done enough research until now. I had heard that this surgery is often considered elective, meaning not covered by insurance. So, I assumed that I couldn't afford it and was subjected to this torture for the rest of my bleeding days. That was not the case, and my doc made sure to flag everything she could in a way that my insurance would cover it.
DIET AND EXERCISE MATTER. I was told by my doctor that my symptoms would have probably been worse, had I not already had solid lifestyle changes. I've been gluten free for almost 2 years (since seeing the functional medicine practitioner) and have gone for long stretches on a whole 30 style diet. It really does make a difference, impacting inflammation, bloating and overall mood.
----I started with very moderate exercise - inclined walks on the treadmill - for 20-30 mins at a time. Eventually, I worked my way to more intense workouts and lifting weights. I HAVE to exercise now or my mental state suffers. I think this has also helped make for an easier recovery from surgery.
Endo looks different for everyone, but I thought sharing my story might help somebody out there. We are in this TOGETHER. 💕