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- In October, we published our series on endometriosis, and the response from the public has been incredible.
- Our minisite shared the journeys of women suffering from the chronic condition and also had important advice and information from medical experts.
- Now, more women have come forward to share their endometriosis stories.
After being diagnosed with endometriosis in April this year, I embarked on a journey to raise awareness about this chronic condition. So many people had never heard about it, including many women who suffer from it.
So I reached out to medical experts and those who suffer from the condition to share their journeys and advice and started a much-needed conversation around menstrual health.
It was all about normalising periods, not period pain. Take a look at our endometriosis special project here.
Since then, many women have stepped forward to share their endometriosis stories. Take a look at some of them below.
"I suffered from severe pain and heavy flow since Standard 8 (Grade 10). I didn't know it at the time, but I was suffering from endometriosis. At times I fainted from the excruciating pain. Hot water bottles only provided some relief. Painful stools and the use of tampons were something I will also remember. This caused me to be petrified of intercourse since this, too, would cause pain. Laparoscopy after laparoscopy was a normal thing. The pain from the wind build-up in my chest after a laparoscopy made me cry. I couldn't fall pregnant. Interestingly enough, I suffer from depression. I am 53 years of age and in menopause already. It has been a difficult road. My daughter has the same symptoms. The only cure, according to her gynae, is to be on the pill. There is not enough support and awareness of this debilitating condition."
READ MORE | Endometriosis and depression often go hand-in-hand. Experts say a genetic link may exist
Another reader wrote about her unfortunate experience with a medical practitioner.
"I simply want to share my experience in the hope that other women don't get bamboozled into being operated on invasively and, perhaps, unnecessarily. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy last year, as discussed and agreed on between my gynaecologist and me. It was explained that if I didn't remove my uterus and ovaries, the fibroids and cysts would regrow and cause major issues later in life. I am 49years old.
"I returned on time for the follow-up, which was a failure as I was still bleeding. No other follow-up was scheduled after several calls, and I was not contacted to explain why I was experiencing a period after a hysterectomy. By this time, I had been retrenched for a year and couldn't afford further consultations. Nevertheless, I recovered well and continued to have a period.
"I experienced some infections recently and went for my annual pap [smear] to another gynaecologist. Upon examination, I was informed that neither my uterus nor ovaries were removed during the 'hysterectomy'. Only the endometriosis that he found was removed. Yet he has claimed for and been paid fully via medical aid and gap cover for a hysterectomy. Granted, endometriosis cannot be stopped by a hysterectomy, but the fact that a specialist can be dishonest by omission is devastating emotionally and financially."
READ MORE | Endometriosis: Why does it take so long to get a diagnosis?
And finally, another reader shared her story of excruciating pain.
"My endometriosis journey has been a painful one. Firstly, my mother thought I was just a lazy girl who blamed pain instead of doing house chores. I, therefore, had to clean the house in that excruciating PAIN. Then later, I struggled to have kids. Fortunately, God granted me two beautiful babies, but the struggle never ended. I've been through 5 operations, had an ablation in 2016, and I'm still in pain. I now think what's going to kill me is the amount of pain management pills I take.
"I've been on Visanne for more than 5 years just to manage the pain, but I think my body is so used to it, it doesn't work anymore. I changed to Grandpa and Anadin -- nothing seems to work anymore. Somedays, I just sleep and endure the pain. My gynae doesn't know what to do with me anymore. I'm tired of this pain."
