What exactly is Endometriosis and when did you first find out about it?
However, with someone who suffers from endometriosis, that tissue sheds itself, but has nowhere to go.
So, it is then reabsorbed into the body.
Tara Holleman
Over a period of time, that tissue tends to get very sticky.
It can even start to stick to your organs, which causes them to fuse together.
I discovered that I potentially had endometriosis through a friend of mine, Anna.
She was so vulnerable with her story, and was kind enough to share it with her audience.
Having educators who have the capacity to speak into that changed my world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpKRfuyDZHZ/
What were the symptoms that caused you to question what you were experiencing?
What has your journey been like?
Kathryn Watson:I had my first period when I was 15 years old.
From the moment it started every single month was debilitating.
I missed a lot of school, and I often had to call into work sick.
For a few years, outside of the week surrounding my period, I was fine.
During that week, I would always experience a lot of pain.
Did you have an experience like that?
Kathryn Watson:It took me a long time to find a doctor that was willing to listen.
I asked for a surgery, and shortly after I was diagnosed.
Thought Catalog: What treatments have you tried or are currently trying?
Is there a cure for endo?
There are a lot of misconceptions relative to endo, though.
It has been traumatizing a lot of women.
On the other hand, as far as treatment options go, there arent a lot for endometriosis.
The number one thing that they will tell you is to get on some sort of birth control.
Over the past year I have been on about 5 different birth controls, and that hasnt helped.
It is meant to mask the symptoms, but in my own personal experience I havent noticed any relief.
On the other hand, the most helpful thing for me is just staying in bed.
The more energy I can conserve, and the less movement I can participate in, the better.
There are heating pads that wrap around your abdomen that are air activated.
Those have become the only things Ill wear out of the house.
Im still working on it.
Maybe once I feel better I can loop back and try.
Being gentle with yourself and your body is so important.
Kathryn Watson:Listen to your body.
Putting your foot down and taking a break is so important.
Kathryn Watson:Ive recently discovered reddit, and what an incredible community that is.
Reddit has also been an incredible source of knowledge and education for me.
And that is not the case.
So I suggest researching as much as you’re able to.
Nancys Nook is dedicated to stopping that, and to bringing women the correct resources.
Last but not least, just know that you arent alone, and that your feelings are valid.
Listen to yourself, use all the resources you’re able to find, and keep fighting.
