'Its Not The Endo The World...'

Firstly I want to start by thanking everyone for continuing to follow my blog. This is my 100th post which is insane! I started this not knowing if anyone would ever read it and now so many of you send me lovely supportive messages which are an amazing lift when I need it. So thank you thank you thank you! Its been a busy week. I've been away training on my Global Talent Programme in Cambridge with my fellow cohort members. Its been tough but I've really enjoyed myself. Not only that but it came at just the right time to provide me with the perfect distraction with the impending operation next week. Naturally my body didn't quite let me forget and I've felt pretty rough especially yesterday when I was feeling horribly sick. Its been the first time in a while that my tummy has been so bloated that I've been unable to do my trousers up and the pain was pretty intense with it too. As always, with the feeling unwell, along came the frustration with it. This diseas...

Happy Friday Endo Warriors! I've touched on how fortunate I am to have the wonderful family and friends that I do in my previous posts, but I thought it deserved its own post. Through all the medication and procedures that I have tried, nothing is more effective than having those around you that care. Let me start by saying that this disease sucks. Like really sucks. And I can handle what it throws at me. The pain. The heart break. The realisation that I'll never carry my own child. But what I struggle with is the strain it puts on all my friends and family. Sometimes I bore myself, repeating daily how I don't feel 100%, feeling like I might as well just have a sign on my forehead stating the fact. All those times that I pull out of meals, or those pre-made plans because I just don't feel up to it. Feeling like a huge disappointment to those around me. I find myself apologising more and more for missed days out or spontaneous trips. Whilst all the time, it...

After another day of horrid pain, and a particularly busy day at work, made longer than expected due to IT issues, I am feeling so very humbled to see so many people reading my posts. Views from all around the world from the UK to the US, Australia, Portugal, Germany, France, Poland and Canada! Wow! Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope it helps at least one of you along your journey. Feel free to comment, even if its just to say hi. Keep strong Endo Warriors. A x

So the question everyone asks.... What actually is this disease? What does it do!? Endometriosis is where the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb, usually in the pelvic area but it can spread further. The cells still act in the same way as they would inside the womb, they swell each month and shred. But when they're elsewhere they have nowhere to go and scar tissue builds up which sits on other organs. Adenomyosis is endometriosis but in the muscle lining of the uterus. This is the real devil! My consultant explained it as the following: Your womb should be like Mike Tysons bicep muscles, strong and tight. But my womb is soft and spongy, in fact they nearly went through it when they poked it with their surgical tools!!  Some of the main symptoms include intense stomach cramps, nausea, heavy bleeding, depression. It can also cause infertility. It is only diagnosed by a laparoscopy and MRI scans also help evidence the disease. The big question... How do you cure it? ...

Well this is new! A blog. Where do I even start?! Feels a bit silly writing this to be completely honest with you but I thought I would write about my journey and struggle with the demons that are Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.  My name is Amy and I am 25 years old. I live in Essex in the UK. I have a wonderful life, great family, fantastic friends, two cute fur babies, a life that a lot of people would dream of. Don't get me wrong, I know I am very lucky but theres this one problem.... the disease thats attacking my insides! A lot of people haven't heard of  Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, I know I hadn't. Unfortunately, if people haven't even heard of them, they also don't understand the hell that comes with them. This blog is to share the day to day experience I have with the disease. To help fellow sufferers and to help those who know someone with it understand what that person is going through. Comment away, ask questions if need be, but most of all I hope...