I chose to blog for various reasons. One of them is that I felt misunderstood. Not only by doctors, but family and friends. By endometriosis being an invisible illness. People often think that if you look good. Then everything must be fine. With a disease puzzling to doctors. They often become angry and frustrated. So treatment can be just as devastating as the illness. I couldn't even gain comfort from and security from my doctor. Even people who aware of the details about your struggle with the disease. From surgeries to pain. Having discomfort from more than just the menses. Most of my symptoms were disregarded. Often by the people who thought they knew me.
The difficulties of the ill are taken for granted by the healthy. Nevertheless, it's still hard for people to grasp that physical pain can cause emotional pain. Feeling misunderstood can lead to isolation. Being isolated can cause depression. I have been depressed for a very long time. I never want to repeat some of the things that have gone through my mind. I also hide my depression from people. People's ignorance and misconceptions can cause emotional damage. All people aren't empathetic towards the ill. That goes for healthy people and sick people. Both groups perception is that you aren't sick enough. They either disregard the symptoms of your illness. Or use it against you.
This blog is also a place for me to vent my feelings. I often feel misunderstood. This has made me become introverted. I downplay how I really feel. Both physically and emotinally. Even when people ask me how I am. Let's say I am having a painful day. Or if it has been a rough week. I will say that I am fine. Just so I don't have to go into detail about my discomfort. People aren't always empathetic towards others. I can't expect anyone to have sympathy for me.
Writing in my many journals, still left a void. I felt that more needed to be done. Even when I attempted to vent. Sharing my feelings about my health with family and few close friends. I would often be disregarded. I realized that overtime. People disregard, and fear what they don't understand. However, during diffiuclt times. Being ignored can make you feel more lonely. I'm the opposite. I am a considerate person. Not disregarding one. In the back of my mind, I always wondered about other women who have endometriosis. Hoping that they didn't have the struggles I've had.
I've experienced numerous struggles having endometriosis. I attempted to find salvation. From seeking advice from other women with the disease. Attempting to gain perspective from other disabled people. I searched endlessly for endometriosis support groups. There isn't a big endometriosis community in the Detroit, MI. Even the hospitals with specialists didn't have many endometriosis support groups. One day it came to me. Something told me to pray for women like myself. I prayed many times for women like myself. It helped me get through some of my toughest times struggling with this illness. I began to remind myself that I am not alone.
Fact, I am not the only woman with endometriosis. I have to be resilient. Bouncing back and pushing through. Being strong for not only me. But for many women like myself. I realized that this blog isn't just for me. It is for the many women suffering in silence around the world. Women, who may not have the same privileges that I've had. No matter what our blessings are. We still have to overcome many hardships. Many women are suffering in silence. I want to be there for them, through this blog. This blog is OUR (women with endometriosis) support group. My posts are for all my sisters with endometriosis. Please share your stories with me. If you feel comfortable, I will post with your permission.
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