Let's End Endometriosis and Raise Awareness
Hey Guess What?
Its 41 degrees today, and I'm freezing my butt off wearing this not-warm yellow t-shirt that is two sizes too big. (It's also the least flattering color in my wardrobe for me, which is why I only have one. ) So why did I decide to spend today shivering around like a jaundiced beluga whale?
Today is March 1st, the beginning of national endometriosis month. This month, we are encouraged to "start a conversation about endometriosis".
Is endometriosis even important enough to need an awareness day, week, or month? Why, yes it is.
Because "endo" is me. And it might be your female friends and relatives. Or, it might be you too...
Its 41 degrees today, and I'm freezing my butt off wearing this not-warm yellow t-shirt that is two sizes too big. (It's also the least flattering color in my wardrobe for me, which is why I only have one. ) So why did I decide to spend today shivering around like a jaundiced beluga whale?
Today is March 1st, the beginning of national endometriosis month. This month, we are encouraged to "start a conversation about endometriosis".
Is endometriosis even important enough to need an awareness day, week, or month? Why, yes it is.
Because "endo" is me. And it might be your female friends and relatives. Or, it might be you too...
Endometriosis is not a rare condition. It is thought to impact as many as 1 out of every 10 women. That means that even if you don't have endometriosis, then you probably know someone who does.
It affects victims differently. Some women have no symptoms. Some have such severe symptoms that they are disabled. They may require repeat surgeries (sometime seven a hysterectomy). Other women fall in between these two extremes.
Even women who may never "feel" a symptom may still suffer from endometriosis. The scarring can lead to severe health issues, infertility and high-risk pregnancies.
Although endometriosis is not "new" or a secret, its something women often feel they should keep to themselves. Its "a female complaint". They may be told they should just deal with it, like its nothing more than a natural side effect of being "just a woman".
But I advocate for more to be done. More people should know that this condition can be debilitating for some women. More research should be done for relief (at least) and plain old cures.
I am the face of endometriosis. You can't "see" what hurts me. And if I met you on the street, I wouldn't be able to tell what was hurting you either. I'm luckier than many, but that doesn't mean it's easy. And women who aren't so lucky definitely need lots of support.
It affects victims differently. Some women have no symptoms. Some have such severe symptoms that they are disabled. They may require repeat surgeries (sometime seven a hysterectomy). Other women fall in between these two extremes.
Even women who may never "feel" a symptom may still suffer from endometriosis. The scarring can lead to severe health issues, infertility and high-risk pregnancies.
Although endometriosis is not "new" or a secret, its something women often feel they should keep to themselves. Its "a female complaint". They may be told they should just deal with it, like its nothing more than a natural side effect of being "just a woman".
But I advocate for more to be done. More people should know that this condition can be debilitating for some women. More research should be done for relief (at least) and plain old cures.
I am the face of endometriosis. You can't "see" what hurts me. And if I met you on the street, I wouldn't be able to tell what was hurting you either. I'm luckier than many, but that doesn't mean it's easy. And women who aren't so lucky definitely need lots of support.
Even at it's best, endometriosis can affect your ability to work, take care of your children, or manage your home. It can make pregnancies difficult, or impossible.
When endo gets ugly, it can mean a hospital stay or emergency surgery. Even worse, many women and young girls are turned away at emergency rooms with little more than some advice to take Advil and stop "faking it".
Hey, no wonder tons of women don't want to start the conversation, huh?
Let's not be so silent though. Because it isn't a normal "woman thing".
When endo gets ugly, it can mean a hospital stay or emergency surgery. Even worse, many women and young girls are turned away at emergency rooms with little more than some advice to take Advil and stop "faking it".
Hey, no wonder tons of women don't want to start the conversation, huh?
Let's not be so silent though. Because it isn't a normal "woman thing".
If you have endo, or know someone who does, pull out a yellow shirt this month and show your support. But don't stop there. Endometriosis doesn't go away on April first. It's a monthly (sometimes daily) nightmare for millions of women.
If it's you, speak up. Let doctors know that you hurt, don't take no for an answer. If it's someone you love, give them support and understanding, and be there for them when they can't speak up for themselves.
If it's you, speak up. Let doctors know that you hurt, don't take no for an answer. If it's someone you love, give them support and understanding, and be there for them when they can't speak up for themselves.
What's your story?
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