Tag: bleeding

A Trinidadian Woman’s Journey with Endometriosis – Part 2

BACKGROUND STORY cont’d

MY STORY

Laparoscopic surgery was finally performed and aftercare treatment consisting of three months of GNRH injections was given. I’m sure this may sound familiar to some ladies. When I thought that my years of suffering would finally cease, the SAGA had just begun. I experienced major side effects such as chest pains, dizziness, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleeplessness and elevated cholesterol levels. To my dismay when I demanded to be taken off this medication, I suddenly experienced lack of motion in my legs accompanied by breathlessness. This occurred for months. How could a procedure designed to assist me seem like such a nightmare?

Fast-fowarding, about a year and a half later the symptoms made their way back and the cycle of menstrual pain, heavy periods and monthly torture eased its way back into my life. This was then followed by more years of trying to figure out a final solution with trials of diet changes, enzymes and other hormone-related medical options.

Unfortunately in 2019, eight years after my initial surgery I am on medication daily and yet again I find myself where I started, staring down the barrels of major surgery once again.

This is the reality of Endometriosis sufferers within the Caribbean and worldwide.

Endometriosis does not discriminate. This is the reason why women of all ages, ethnicities and cultures need to be edified about all aspects of women’s health.

“A Healthier Woman is a Happier Woman” – The Endo SAGA

A Trinidadian Woman’s Journey with Endometriosis – Part 1

BACKGROUND STORY

“Hi, I’m A Trinidadian Woman with Endometriosis. I’m a 35 year old Caribbean woman who has suffered and still suffers at the hand of this condition. ” – Jay.

For those of you who don’t know, Endometriosis is a dreadfully painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This pain worsens during and can be present before or after menstruation. This condition may be minimal, mild, moderate or severe. Based on its severity it can affect your overall health and general well-being.

MY STORY – Part 1

I was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 24 but had been suffering for up to 13 years prior. As a teenager during Secondary/High School I suffered through monthly period pain with no painkillers for aid. I endured this for years as I was told that this pain was normal. I was eventually introduced to medication which actually increased the blood flow during this time.   

During my latter years at University the pain exacerbated. I recall one time my heavy flow caused me to be drenched in blood with no change of garments and having to sit through a 3 hour examination as though nothing was wrong. I simply tied my jacket around my waist and proceeded as per normal.

There were countless moments of feeling unwell on non-period days, exhaustion and absenteeism from classes and eventually work as I entered the work world.

Pain became part of the norm for me and increased as the days went by. Eventually after seeing more than one Gynecologist along with having multiple ultrasounds. I was told that I have Endometriosis along with large endometriomas or “chocolate cysts” in both ovaries. Surgery was needed immediately before any kind of rupture occurred, which could potentially be life threatening. ………………………………to be continued

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Visit my Facebook Page for daily updates on Women’s Health Topics and more. https://www.facebook.com/theEndoSAGA/