New way to remove Ovarian Cysts can help protect fertility

I have been doing my usual reading up on procedures and what to expect and I came across something in the independant. Worth a read.

Endometriosis: Technique to drain ovarian cysts could help preserve women’s fertility, trial finds

WEEKLY ENDO THOUGHT....

Not at simple as you think...

I wanted to touch on a few things that come with Endometriosis and that nobody really mentions.

We all can read up on the symptoms, THE horrible pains etc that come with this cruel disease but what you really dont hear of, and what I want to talk about, is the affects these cause on your life and, in turn, your mental health.

Lets start with the symptoms first.

The symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any detectable symptoms.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Pain in your lower tummy or back – usually worse during your "Lady week".

• Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities, walking, moving in general.

• Pain during or after sex.

• Extreme Fatigue- like you have had all your battery drained and can't wake.

• Pain when peeing or pooing during your period

• Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period

• difficulty getting pregnant

"What a delight" I can hear you all say.

Now, the above is just the first layer.

Like an onion (an analogy famously used by Shrek but we arent talking about love like he was, there is no way I can LOVE this bugger of an illness) the symptoms are only the first layer of how this will effect you and your life.

Take Fatigue for example. We all know what its like to be tired. But this tiredness is like a bad dream where you can't move or open your eyes. That's one thing, but think about if you are going out with your partner, or family, or friends for example.

The good old days where 4am was going home early

You go out for dinner have an amazing time and then they want to go out and carry the party on? You really want to, you want to go dancing, sing at the top of your voice (in my case like a bag of cats being swung round) and make memories with these astounding people in your life. You are so tired you physically and mentally can't make it any further and just want a bed or any soft surface actually. (Image inserted as a perfect Hayley sleeping at a party moment)

You can feel your body fading and energy slip from your body. You feel crap about yourself, what do people think of me, I'm a bore, what happened to the party animal like when i was 21?!

So with this becoming a regular accurance, where you go home early or fall asleep in a pile of coats (an example- never happened....Ok it did) you start to hear the same old things.. here are some of my favs:

• "God you're so dull"

• "Why you being a party popper!?"

• "Just stay for one more! It'll help keep you going!"

I seriously feel my fist clench and tears come to my eyes when i hear these. It's constant. You say a stupid excuse and try be polite and they go on and on and some even tell you:

• "you're ruining a great night

or

• "you're so old and boring"-thats a fun one!

But really they don't get it and you dont want to ruin their night by saying your sick and want to just curl up and be alone. So thats another layer! You get low and feel completely alone, a massive disappointment.

Each symptom comes with its own side effects- you become withdrawn, feeling alone and with me it got me really down. I suffer with OCD/ anxiety and depression anyway but when you have to constantly act like nothing is bothing you about all the comments and how you feel that doesnt help either.

So how do i cope......I smile through (and pop magical pills!). Its nobody elses fault, they dont know so why be angry with them. Lifes too short. As ive got older I guess ive changed from party girl to comfies loving a pizza anyway and to be honest.....fuck em, I love my PJs and life that way!

Dont be ashamed of what Endometriosis has made you at all, its sadly the hand we have been dealt so lets make the most of what we can while we're awake!!