To help raise awareness for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Go Vita team member Sally shares her personal story of what it’s like to live with endometriosis. Including her diagnosis, the symptoms she experiences, and the natural treatments that have helped her manage life with endo.
“When I was 19, I was travelling on a train home. I was feeling bloated and experiencing body-jolting sharp pains – like barbed wire was being dragged through my insides. I battled through, thinking that maybe it was just bad period pain. However, a few weeks later I woke up in such severe pain that I was barely able to walk. The pain was so agonising! I went to the hospital and it was discovered that a huge ovarian cyst had burst into the lining of my stomach and required emergency surgery. During my recovery a number of doctors suggested that I may have endometriosis; however, a formal diagnosis wasn’t made.
“I battled through, thinking that maybe it was just bad period pain. However, a few weeks later I woke up in such severe pain that I was barely able to walk…”
To help manage my symptoms, I had a Mirena inserted. A Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is commonly used as a form of contraception. I was also prescribed the mini-pill to help increase progesterone and manage pain. Both contraceptives stopped ovulation and menstruation but did manage my symptoms.
However, four years later I started to experience chronic back, neck and pelvic pain. I was also suffering from severe bloating, depression and anxiety, loose bowel movements, rectum pain, stomach pain and extremely heavy periods. In consultation with my healthcare team, we decided to have the Mirena removed, as I felt that was contributing to the pain. As a result, my periods returned and I was passing blood clots that were sometimes as big as a 10 cent piece. I was finding it difficult to get out of bed and started to experience gut problems and food sensitivities.
I underwent laparoscopic incision surgery – a procedure that examines the interior of the abdominal or pelvic cavity, via a small incision through the belly button. Endometriosis was found and removed from my bowel and ureteral sacral ligaments. It was at this point that I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis. For the four years that followed, I had two more surgeries to remove more endometrium growth. I was also put on Depo Provera; a contraceptive injection that is administered every three months.
To complement the medication (and with the hope of being able to manage without the hormone treatment), I made changes to my diet, increased my exercise and did my own research into foods, the body, various ways to heal, trauma and disease. I read possibly hundreds of different articles and real-life accounts; and listened to a number of informative and inspiring podcasts. I was also well-supported by my mum and my sister; for whom I am forever grateful.
I had acupuncture regularly (something I found incredibly relaxing and beneficial). I also removed as many toxins as I could from my day-to-day life; replacing all of my cleaning products, skincare, cosmetics and other personal care products with more natural and organic options.
I had regular appointments with a naturopath, who prescribed a number of herbs and supplements and also supported me through a number of changes to my diet. I removed gluten, dairy, preservatives and additives. My diet became predominantly whole-food, vegetarian. I also drank a lot of herbal teas: passionflower, peppermint, dandelion and raspberry leaf tea.
I also found regular yoga and meditation beneficial. I was so taken with the practice, that I completed a one-year yoga and meditation course; an experience that put me in touch with my body, made me address my unresolved emotional history and traumas and made me appreciate how remarkable the human body is.
To this day, I feel confident that the changes to my diet and personal care products has been the most significant contributing factor in managing my endo symptoms naturally. I have now been managing my endo naturally for five years. I am predominantly pain-free, with the exception of occasional flare ups that are either caused by scar tissue or being a little careless with my diet.
“To this day, I feel confident that the changes to my diet and personal care products has been the most significant contributing factor in managing my endo symptoms naturally.”
Despite the emotional and physical toll endometriosis has put me through, I am grateful that it has made me more empathetic towards other sufferers and has put me in a position to possibly help other women recognise the symptoms and explore their treatment options.
Endometriosis has given me courage and determination beyond measure, including the most powerful relationship with myself, my menstrual cycle, mind, body and spirit.”
Our Go Vita Ballarat naturopaths are available for private consultations. To make an appointment, visit the store at 23 Sturt Street Ballarat or call 53315316.
