First and foremost what is Endometriosis

I am starting this blog journey not only for awareness but also for myself because I honestly can't keep everything bottled up inside for much longer.

What is Endometriosis?
It occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium (uterus lining) is found outside the uterus and other parts of the body. It is generally found in the pelvic cavity but can attach to any of the reproductive organs. It can also be found outside the reproductive organs like appendix, bladder, bowel, and rectum. 

Symptoms:
There are so many symptoms but I will just throw out a few. 

• “Killer cramps” – cramps that do not go away with NSAIDS and/or impede the activities of daily living
• Long periods – periods that last longer than 7 days
• Heavy menstrual flow – having to change your pad or tampon every hour to two hours throughout most of your period
• Bowel and urinary disorders – including but not limited to painful urination or bowel movements, frequent urge to urinate, or diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain during sexual activities
• Infertility

There are 176 woman and 1 in 10 girls that are affected. These numbers change frequently. 

Diagnosis:

It can take up to 10 years. Yes you read that right! This is due to lack of knowledge and awareness with this disease especially in the medical community.

Despite what people assume, endometriosis can not be diagnosed with an MRI or CT Scan. Pelvic exams can raise suspicion. (I will touch on that in one of my entries)

Laparoscopic diagnosis is the only way to find and diagnose endometriosis.

Treatment:

This is the fun part (being sarcastic)

The most important form of treatment is Laparoscopic Excision of endometriosis. In normal terms cutting "every last stinking bit of endometriosis out"(favorite quote from my last surgeon Dr. Mackenzie)

There is ablation and cauterization but this is where many doctors don't understand or try not to understand. Ablation is burning the top layer of Endo. When we end up burning ourself with a curling iron or touch a hot pan, we burn the top layer of skin. What happens with the burn after time? It heals and skin grows back. Pretty much the same concept with ablation. (will touch on that experience in a later post too)

A hysterectomy is another medical form of treatment that most think "cures" endometriosis. 

THERE IS NO CURE