EndoMEtriosis and Me

Endometriosis can be a very shocking diagnosis for some. I knew it was coming because I’d already done research into my symptoms and pretty much knew going into my diagnostic surgery that that would be the outcome. I was lucky in the fact that I knew it was coming, my diagnostic process was quick and that I already knew I didn’t want children.

My Endometriosis Journey

I was diagnosed in 2010 when I was 21, I had been having bad periods since I had my first period at 14. I told my doctor about the painful periods, nausea, headaches and back pain. Her recommendation was to put me on birth control which I did and that seemed to help my symptoms up until I had a ovarian cyst burst and went to the emergency room. While at the ER, I was put through a series of test and after several hours was referred to a gynecologist that specialized in Endometriosis. The gynae suggested that I needed to have a laparoscopic surgery to go in and see if they could see the disease. A few months later I was in for the lap and diagnosed with stage 4 Endometriosis.

After trying many medications including Lupron and Visanne I was sent to an Endometriosis specialist. I chose to have a hysterectomy in 2013, the surgery went well and I felt better for 6-8 months after. I felt pretty much the same as I did before the hysterectomy but with some improvement. Now, I’ve been trying alternatives like cannabis, essential oils, yoga, martial arts, etc. I’ve found that movement, diet and cannabis have been my biggest and most helpful changes. Replacing some of my medications with cannabis. Watching what I eat and paying attention to how foods make me feel. Joining a martial arts gym and doing jiu jistu and muay thai have made me motivated to keep active while enjoying it.

I would encourage everyone to try and make some positive changes and see the reaction you get from your body. I love the changes I’ve seen in myself. Physically, mentally, spiritually and I feel like I’ve really started to grow.

Cannabis Activism

When your remaining options are drugs you’ve already tried and/or more surgery what do you do? I didn’t want to take harmful medications again (Lupron) and wasn’t willing to have another surgery. Cannabis was something I already knew about and refused many times. I was actually against drugs of any kind, including anything you could get at the drug store. I would only take a pain pill very rarely if I could no longer handle the pain, usually one of my bad headaches.

I started using cannabis at a very delicate time in my life. Having attempted to committing suicide because I foolishly thought I’d be better off dead. I immediately regretted it and my best friend drove me to the hospital. After I was discharged, I stayed with my best friend for a week. She introduced me to cannabis and I have never looked back.

Cannabis gave me my like back essentially. It helped all my symptoms including my severe pain. I realized I didn’t have to live in pain and there was more to life than me being bedridden, lonely, in pain, extremely depressed with no hope. I opened my mind to something new and it ended up turning into something wonderful. I feel like myself and like I can function day to day. Don’t get me wrong I still have my bad days where I stay in bed or set myself up on the couch and just veg out. Overall, my quality of life feels like it is so much better!

Many Forms of Cannabis

There are more ways to consume cannabis other than smoking it. I found that CBD products are extremely beneficial. There are so many products out there so it’s important to research what your buying. When you find out how much CBD you need daily you will see the results in how you feel. Like anything, it’s not for everyone and many not work for everyone. CBD is something that needs to build up in your system like many medications.

Using cannabis in any form should be started slowly. Start small and see how you feel. Like anything if it is not legal where you are, I am not suggesting you do anything illegal. Many places have legalized medical marijuana or legalized for recreational use. I am located in Canada where we have legalized both.