March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and as an #endowarrior, I'm working on spreading the word about this common yet incurable disease. So for the month of March, A Cup of Social is going to focus on shedding some light on this often misunderstood condition called endometriosis.1 in 10
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women (including transgender men and non-binary folks, if you have female DNA, you can be affected, rarely it can affect those with male DNA, but only about 20 cases have been reported), meaning that whether you know it or not, at least one person in your life has this silent, chronic disease. It can affect every aspect of our lives or go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years. Some of us get diagnosed early, while some never will never find out why they are in so much pain. Friends, family members, coworkers, employers and even doctors will tell us it's all in our heads or we are exaggerating our symptoms. Yes I said doctors in that list. There are actually medical professionals who are actively practicing that do not believe endometriosis exists or that it is as painful as it can be. These fools need to either wise up or retire. It's a real thing, so if you are a doctor who doesn't believe your patients or in legit medical conditions and are reading this, shape up or GTFO of the medical field.
There are 4 stages of endometriosis, ranging from minimal to severe. Stage 1 endometriosis is characterized by isolated implants and no significant adhesions. Stage 2 is characterized by superficial implants that measure less than 5 cm in diameter without significant adhesions. Stage 3 involves multiple deep implants, small cysts on one or both ovaries, and the presence of flimsy adhesions. And lastly Stage 4 consists of multiple deep implants, large cysts on one or both ovaries, and thick adhesions. (Source)
The most common sites of endometriosis include:
- The ovaries
- The fallopian tubes
- Ligaments that support the uterus (uterosacral ligaments)
- The posterior cul-de-sac, i.e., the space between the uterus and rectum
- The anterior cul-de-sac, i.e., the space between the uterus and bladder
- The outer surface of the uterus
- The lining of the pelvic cavity
Occasionally, endometrial tissue is found in other places, such as:
- The intestines
- The rectum
- The bladder
- The vagina
- The cervix
- The vulva
- Abdominal surgery scars
Causes
What exactly causes endometriosis? Well sadly, no can say 100% for sure what causes it but there are a lot of factors that are believed to be the cause including: retrograde menstruation, genetic predisposition, lymphatic or circulatory spread, immune dysfunction, environmental causes, and metaplasia. (Source)
Why I Care
So, why do I care so much? Because at the age of 14, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. As of today a few months shy of 35, I have stage 4 endo, have had 2 surgeries and the doctor literally looked at me and said she would see me again for more surgeries, and during the last surgery had one of my ovaries and tubes removed, and my ureter shortened due to an adhesion blockage (along with the moving of my bladder to reach the shortened ureter). My left side, which was always "clean" now is developing its own adhesions. Endometriosis has attacked almost every area within my torso. I have sciatica pain, arthritis, bowel issues, diaphragm issues, digestion issues, brain fog/forgetfulness and a lot of chronic pain ranging from tolerable to I can barely breathe.
I am currently on the depo shot but it runs out this month and I am not getting another shot because I am tired of living in a body that no longer feels like mine. (Hormone treatments do not cure endometriosis, nothing does, seriously, no cure, quit telling people to get hysterectomies or have babies. But they can help, if you prefer going that route. I personally prefer the natural route.) I'm taking herbal supplements to dissolve my adhesions and scar tissue. I eat as clean as I can and do not eat gluten, most dairy, pork, or beef. I will admit that since I have been on the depo shot, I slacked off on my diet but am working on cleaning it back up before my shot wears off. Chinese medicine believes endo comes from stagnant Qi or energy caused by stagnant blood and retrograde menstruation. So I exercise daily to keep my blood moving (I can also say I do have poor circulation, coincidence or not, you decide) but I keep it gentle as too much will push me into a flare-up. I also do not do any inverted exercises or yoga poses while bleeding to prevent any retrograde menstruation.
I also have zero shame when discussing endometriosis and how it has affected my life, my body and my marriage, so be prepared this month, y'all. So you might learn some things you wish you hadn't but knowledge is power and if you don't know how this chronic illness might be affecting those in your life, well you will now!
Over the next few weeks, I am going to go over endometriosis myths & tips, tips for living a normal-ish life with endo and tips for staying positive because this disease can sadly bring you down when you feel like you are constantly living in a pain bubble.
Until next time my lovelies!
-M
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