Change the World

With the estimated number of women with Endometriosis being somewhere around 1-in-10. Almost everyone either has Endo or knows someone who has it. So, What can you do?

Educate those around you

Education is the first step towards making changes. Maybe all you can do is educate one person, but that one person may take up our cross and advocate for us. Maybe that one person is your doctor, but doctors know everything. Many doctors don’t know jack squat about Endo. Maybe you can take it upon yourself to educate your GP. Maybe you educate your family or your friends. Maybe you educate anyone willing to read your social media.

Get Involved

So you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and educated those around you, what’s next? Get involved in a charity or in activism. For a list of national organizations by country, click here. Also, if you are a patient, you could get involved in a study such as, The Equinox Study or any listed on this site.. *ALWAYS discuss clinical trials with your doctor before participating.*

Protest

Protest. That isn’t a word most expect to be associated with a disease like Endo. Y’all Endo is prevalent in our society and yet women’s healthcare is so stigmatized. Break the stigma. Protest the lack of standards of care. Protest the lack of education in healthcare professionals. Protest the fact that more research goes into balding hair than a major debilitating disease. Protest the fact that women with Endo are silenced because their experiences are “all in their heads.” Protest these realities for you or your mother, or your sister, or your daughter, or your friend. Protest these for the community of women who live their lives in pain daily.

Repost

Don’t feel like you have the knowledge or the words? Repost information and articles on Facebook and Instagram. Share a post from a friend about the realities of this disease. Publicize your friends words so they can reach more people. Support them in their quest to change the world of Endo.

Endo Friendly Halloween

Costumes
If you are going to dress up for any events, make sure your costume is loose fitting around your stomach. Generally dresses or leggings are a good choice. Dresses means you can be a princess, gypsy, or a witch. Leggings and a solid color t-shirt can make you a skittle, M&M, or crayon. If its a red shirt, you can be Winnie the Pooh or Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks. This year I bought a huntress costume that is a tunic style shirt with leggings.

Movie Night
Horror movie marathon anyone? Stay in the comfort of your own home with all the classic Halloween movies! Pull out the apple cider, some caramel apples, popcorn, and maybe a piece or two of candy. Curl up in your most comfortable pajamas and a fuzzy blanket. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters and lounge the night away.

Trick-or-Treat
If you have plans to Trick-or-Treat despite your Endo, having someone drive around with you may be beneficial. This way should you end up in pain, you can be driven back home to rest and recuperate. Also, you can eliminate a large majority of walking which could aggravate your pain. Another option is to check out a trunk-or-treat. These events tend to be a lot smaller and allow for more sitting and chilling rather than walking.

Farm Visit

If you plan on heading out to the pumpkin patch, find out whether there is a patch near you that gives tractor rides out to the patch and back in. Also, pick a smaller pumpkin so you don’t aggravate your Endo. Take the activities slow and listen to your body. If you are unsure about an activity, it is probably better to be safe rather than sorry. Also, be aware of how greasy the food is that you may be ingesting. It may be better to eat on your way there or way home.

These simple changes may make your Fall and Halloween much more enjoyable and pain-free!

Endo Awareness Month

March is Endometriosis awareness month! On my Instagram, I am participating in #TheEndoPhotoChallenge2018. I am also going to participate on here by posting the photo challenge each day here! Enjoy!!

Day 1: You

 

I am an 18 year-old senior! I was diagnosed with Endometriosis through laparoscopic excision at the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta, GA. Within the last month, I’ve been told that I probably have Adeno as well.

Day 2: Endometriosis

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I had excision performed in December of 2012 for Stage I Endometriosis. The pictures above are from that procedure. I have struggled with pain, bloating, and other symptoms from the time I hit puberty. After my first surgery, I did pretty well up until about the last 2 years. They are pretty sure my pain is now coming from Adeno and thus, I am having a partial hysterectomy a week from today.