My Story

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I'm so happy you're here! On January 22nd, 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 3 bordering stage 4 endometriosis at the age of  19. 

I got my first period at 13 years old. Since the beginning, they've always been bad. They were always heavy, lasting 5-8 days, and constantly painful. During this time, I continually missed school due to pain. At the age of 16, I started seeing an OBGYN. I have a strong family history of endometriosis and was concerned that it was causing the pain I was experiencing. But I was told that I was too young to have endometriosis and was put on birth control in hopes of alleviating my symptoms. I was on birth control for 4 years, but it did not help my symptoms. During those 4 years, I had gone to the ER numerous times due to severe pain. The ER never found anything wrong besides a cyst on my ovary. As I aged, my symptoms grew worse. 

In March of 2024, I experienced an ovarian cyst rupture at 18 years old. This event would make all my symptoms 10x worse. My OBGYN referred me to a gastrointestinal doctor, but that doctor couldn't find anything wrong that would cause the symptoms I was experiencing. So I was told to go back to my OBGYN.  At that appointment with my past OBGYN, I was basically told there was nothing else they could do. I had left that appointment sobbing, hopeless. I never returned to their practice again.

My mom (best mom ever) went on an intense search for a new doctor. That's when she found a gynecological surgeon who specialized in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. Luckily, with my insurance, I didn't need a referral to see them. So I called their practice to request an endometriosis consultation. During the phone call, I mentioned my numerous ER visits and family history of endometriosis. I was fortunate to be able to schedule an appointment four months in advance.

By the time I had my consultation, I had brought every medical report I had regarding my symptoms, such as ER visits, ultrasound scans, blood tests, etc. It was a thick stack of papers to say the least. I also created a list of every symptom I experienced and its impact on my life. I brought to light the strong family history of endometriosis I had. My mom and maternal grandmother both have endometriosis. My mom went along with me to my consultation and was a huge advocate for me, especially as someone with endometriosis. After I explained everything I was experiencing, my (now) doctor told me it sounds like endometriosis. I was given two options: Start treatment without a 100% diagnosis. It would be hard, though, because they don't know what they're treating and how aggressive the treatment has to be. Or have surgery that would provide me with a 100% diagnosis, then start treatment. I chose the surgery, obviously.

 I left my consultation with surgery scheduled. It was a crazy feeling. I had surgery 2 months later in January. My doctor talked to my mom and dad while I was in recovery and told them that they had found endometriosis, and it was a complex and aggressive surgery due to the severity of the condition. I have stage 3 endometriosis bordering on stage 4. My family and I were shocked at how bad it really is. I am now on aggressive treatment to help reduce my symptoms and slow down their regrowth. I've chosen to use my story to advocate for endo warriors and bring more awareness to this complex disease. Silence only strengthens stigma. Your voice holds power.💛🩷