Making You Aware: Endometriosis Awareness Month
-by Lindsey Riley
Writer's Note:This article will be written in the first person and a little different than most of the ones I write, as this health topic is one of the most familiar to me. I will use my personal experience in the article to highlight the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis (endo). Some of the information I will share is deeply personal, but I hope the information given will encourage those experiencing similar symptoms to become aware and seek help.
Overview of Endometriosis
As March comes to an end, so does Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis, though quite unknown to many, is one of the most common gynecological disorders with about 5.5 million women affected in North America alone. Endometriosis is basically a condition in which cells lining the womb grow in other areas of the body causing various symptoms such as very painful periods and cramps, intestinal pain, chronic pain in the pelvic area and lower back, pain during and after sex, and infertility. Endometrial cells may grow and implant on the ovaries, the lining of the pelvic area, the bowels, the rectum, the bladder, the appendix, and in extreme cases other organs throughout the body.
Diagnosis is often a long process with an average of 9 years, as many women and doctors often believe that painful periods or pelvic pain is just part of being a woman. The pain can also be widespread, which often makes the source of the pain difficult to identify. The only true way to diagnose endometriosis is undergoing a minor surgery called a laparoscopy in which your doctor explores your reproductive area for endometrial cells. If cells are found, they can usually be excised or cauterized, but the deeper the cells are implanted the more difficult they are to remove.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
I didn’t realize that I had been experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis for years until the pain became a constant companion at the age of 23. I had always had bad cramps, some lower back pain, and heavy periods, which was alleviated mostly by taking oral contraceptives (hormone therapy). It never occurred to my doctor or I that I was experiencing symptoms of endo.
In February of 2008, I started having pain in my back, pelvis, and side so bad that I was having trouble breathing resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Doctors were sure I had a clot in my lung, but nothing was found on the MRI. I was sent home with pain pills and some muscle relaxers being told I was just having some muscle spasms. I had no idea that this was the beginning of a long road to getting a true diagnosis.
Since that day, I have seen around 10 doctors specializing in a variety of fields including but not limited to general care, osteopathy, chiropractic care, gastrointestinal care, spinal care, urology, and gynecology. I underwent many tests including several MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, kidney tests, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, and gall bladder tests. I tried medication varying from pills for nerve pain and sciatica to pills for angry bowels. I was even treated for a mild case of scoliosis (a slight curve in my spine) for two years while the pain managed to increase.
I was displaying many of the common symptoms of endometriosis, but I along with my doctors for years failed to recognize what was really happening. It took about four years with nearly every other possibility being eliminated for endo to become a consideration and eventually my diagnosis. Finally, my gynecologist decided to conduct a pelvic ultrasound and found that I had polycystic ovaries. This made him suspect another condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which led to the decision to undergo an exploratory laparoscopy to make sure nothing else was going on. Endometriosis was found and supposedly removed, and I had finally received my diagnosis. The cysts along with the endometriosis were the source of my pain. I consider myself lucky because I received my diagnosis well before the average number of years it usually takes—9 years. After receiving a diagnosis, I did not realize that this was just the beginning of another journey.
Treatment
While the laparoscopic procedure was considered my treatment, the procedure did not relieve my pain. After a few visits with my gynecologist, he seemed to know less about the condition than I did as I has researched the condition as much as I could. It just wasn’t his specialty. I decided to see a doctor specializing in endometriosis. He put me on a different kind of oral contraceptive to regulate my hormones and hopefully reduce the pain. He then decided we needed to do another surgery, and I agreed. He found more endometriosis, which he removed along with my appendix so the endometrial cells would not spread. Unfortunately, this surgery did not relieve the pain I have daily. Endometrial cells are also growing in the walls of my uterus, which is similar to endometriosis, but the medical term used is called adenomyosis.
I am still on my journey to end the constant pain and continue to take my prescribed hormones in the form of oral contraception. Other treatments include taking a Gonatropin-Relasing Hormone that induces a menopause-like state, progestin that completely stops or significantly reduces the amount of time you get your period, and danocrine that stops the release of hormones that are involved with the menstrual cycle. Each of these treatments has significant side effects that need to be considered before going ahead with treatment.
Physical therapy has also helped me cope with the pain. The exercises have helped reduce the pain and make it more manageable. While I can no longer walk comfortably up a flight of stairs or go for a run, I have found that swimming and Pilates are beneficial and doable for someone with endo. Other exercises I have found beneficial are walking, using elliptical machines, and using recumbent bikes. I also try to maintain a healthy diet, which gives me more energy and a sense of well-being. Applying heat to the area also helps at times. However, some days, I just have to rest and take it easy. Chronic pain can be a source of depression and anger, and I have found talking about it with those with which I am closest helps me cope. I had to realize that it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to have a bad day as long as I understand I have to keep living my life and attempting to enjoy every day as much as I can.
Final Thoughts
While research is currently picking up in this area, doctors are still quite baffled by endometriosis. The cause is uncertain, and why infertility is correlated with the disorder is also heavily speculated. However, many people with endo can get pregnant, which often reduces the symptoms of the condition—another mystery of endo. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, speak up and discuss with your doctor. You know your body better than anyone else, and chances are you will know when something is wrong.
Extremely painful periods with cramps and constant pelvic pain ARE NOT normal and ARE NOT simply a part of being a woman. Even if you have another condition, which has also been my experience, it’s worth investigating. Be persistent, and make sure you have a doctor that takes you seriously. If not, find a doctor who does.
This article by no means includes all information on endometriosis. If you would like more information please see the helpful links below.
http://endometriosisfoundation.org/
http://www.facebook.com/EndoResCenter
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289
© 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Overview of Endometriosis
As March comes to an end, so does Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis, though quite unknown to many, is one of the most common gynecological disorders with about 5.5 million women affected in North America alone. Endometriosis is basically a condition in which cells lining the womb grow in other areas of the body causing various symptoms such as very painful periods and cramps, intestinal pain, chronic pain in the pelvic area and lower back, pain during and after sex, and infertility. Endometrial cells may grow and implant on the ovaries, the lining of the pelvic area, the bowels, the rectum, the bladder, the appendix, and in extreme cases other organs throughout the body.
Diagnosis is often a long process with an average of 9 years, as many women and doctors often believe that painful periods or pelvic pain is just part of being a woman. The pain can also be widespread, which often makes the source of the pain difficult to identify. The only true way to diagnose endometriosis is undergoing a minor surgery called a laparoscopy in which your doctor explores your reproductive area for endometrial cells. If cells are found, they can usually be excised or cauterized, but the deeper the cells are implanted the more difficult they are to remove.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
I didn’t realize that I had been experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis for years until the pain became a constant companion at the age of 23. I had always had bad cramps, some lower back pain, and heavy periods, which was alleviated mostly by taking oral contraceptives (hormone therapy). It never occurred to my doctor or I that I was experiencing symptoms of endo.
In February of 2008, I started having pain in my back, pelvis, and side so bad that I was having trouble breathing resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Doctors were sure I had a clot in my lung, but nothing was found on the MRI. I was sent home with pain pills and some muscle relaxers being told I was just having some muscle spasms. I had no idea that this was the beginning of a long road to getting a true diagnosis.
Since that day, I have seen around 10 doctors specializing in a variety of fields including but not limited to general care, osteopathy, chiropractic care, gastrointestinal care, spinal care, urology, and gynecology. I underwent many tests including several MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, kidney tests, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, and gall bladder tests. I tried medication varying from pills for nerve pain and sciatica to pills for angry bowels. I was even treated for a mild case of scoliosis (a slight curve in my spine) for two years while the pain managed to increase.
I was displaying many of the common symptoms of endometriosis, but I along with my doctors for years failed to recognize what was really happening. It took about four years with nearly every other possibility being eliminated for endo to become a consideration and eventually my diagnosis. Finally, my gynecologist decided to conduct a pelvic ultrasound and found that I had polycystic ovaries. This made him suspect another condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which led to the decision to undergo an exploratory laparoscopy to make sure nothing else was going on. Endometriosis was found and supposedly removed, and I had finally received my diagnosis. The cysts along with the endometriosis were the source of my pain. I consider myself lucky because I received my diagnosis well before the average number of years it usually takes—9 years. After receiving a diagnosis, I did not realize that this was just the beginning of another journey.
Treatment
While the laparoscopic procedure was considered my treatment, the procedure did not relieve my pain. After a few visits with my gynecologist, he seemed to know less about the condition than I did as I has researched the condition as much as I could. It just wasn’t his specialty. I decided to see a doctor specializing in endometriosis. He put me on a different kind of oral contraceptive to regulate my hormones and hopefully reduce the pain. He then decided we needed to do another surgery, and I agreed. He found more endometriosis, which he removed along with my appendix so the endometrial cells would not spread. Unfortunately, this surgery did not relieve the pain I have daily. Endometrial cells are also growing in the walls of my uterus, which is similar to endometriosis, but the medical term used is called adenomyosis.
I am still on my journey to end the constant pain and continue to take my prescribed hormones in the form of oral contraception. Other treatments include taking a Gonatropin-Relasing Hormone that induces a menopause-like state, progestin that completely stops or significantly reduces the amount of time you get your period, and danocrine that stops the release of hormones that are involved with the menstrual cycle. Each of these treatments has significant side effects that need to be considered before going ahead with treatment.
Physical therapy has also helped me cope with the pain. The exercises have helped reduce the pain and make it more manageable. While I can no longer walk comfortably up a flight of stairs or go for a run, I have found that swimming and Pilates are beneficial and doable for someone with endo. Other exercises I have found beneficial are walking, using elliptical machines, and using recumbent bikes. I also try to maintain a healthy diet, which gives me more energy and a sense of well-being. Applying heat to the area also helps at times. However, some days, I just have to rest and take it easy. Chronic pain can be a source of depression and anger, and I have found talking about it with those with which I am closest helps me cope. I had to realize that it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to have a bad day as long as I understand I have to keep living my life and attempting to enjoy every day as much as I can.
Final Thoughts
While research is currently picking up in this area, doctors are still quite baffled by endometriosis. The cause is uncertain, and why infertility is correlated with the disorder is also heavily speculated. However, many people with endo can get pregnant, which often reduces the symptoms of the condition—another mystery of endo. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, speak up and discuss with your doctor. You know your body better than anyone else, and chances are you will know when something is wrong.
Extremely painful periods with cramps and constant pelvic pain ARE NOT normal and ARE NOT simply a part of being a woman. Even if you have another condition, which has also been my experience, it’s worth investigating. Be persistent, and make sure you have a doctor that takes you seriously. If not, find a doctor who does.
This article by no means includes all information on endometriosis. If you would like more information please see the helpful links below.
http://endometriosisfoundation.org/
http://www.facebook.com/EndoResCenter
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289
© 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
