Things to never say to chronically ill woman

• "Oh, I know someone who had that."

• "You should talk to __________, she had a problem down there"

• "How'd you get that?"

• "That's in your head"

• "You're to young to be sick"

• "You're to young to be in that much pain"

• "You shouldn't be in that much pain"

• "You need to change you diet"

• "If your attitude was different"

• "Maybe you should lose some weight"

• "You take to much medicine"

• "But, you don't look sick"

• "Are you feeling better yet?"

• "You should work out more"

• "You need something else to do"

• "Have you lost/gained weight?"

• "It's not that bad"

• "Everyone has bad days"

• "You need to get out more"

• "You still don't feel well?"

• "You can't have children?"

• "If you got pregnant, you'd be fine."

• "Suck it up."

• "I get bad cramps, and I'm fine."

• "If you preoccupied yourself, you wouldn't be in so much pain."

• "Be lucky you don't have cancer"

• "Were you abused?"

• "Having children isn't all it's cracked up to be."

• "You need to pray."

• "You just want attention."

• "I think I have that too."

• "If you didn't think about it so much."

• "Are you still sick?"

• "I thought that surgery helped?"

• "You just use that as an excuse."

• "That's no excuse."

Thank the heavens, my search had ended....

       My search has finally ended.   Long and behold their is a dairy and soy free cheese.  That actually melts!  The brand is Daiya.  Check out their website, to see which of your local stores have it.  I was intially skeptical about it.  I tried rice milk cheese in the past.  Needless to say it didn't melt properly.  The toast of a grilled cheesed would be burned, by the time rice milk cheese melts.  Nonetheless I was pleasantly surprisedwith the new brand.  Daiya.   It smells tastes, and melts just like real cheese!  Satisfying my long over due tastes buds..  I have been waitng years for this!

    This search was important to me.  Dairy causes extremly unpleasant symtoms.  Especially with regards to some women with endometriosis.  Especially me.  Dairy is somehing I will never eat again.  The side effects aren't just a little heartburn.  I can feel my body rejecting it.  Not only in our stomach, but the pain reaches the vagina and rectum.  I often talk about it with others.   I won't even eat it if I took lactose intolderant medicine.  I'm not brave enought to.  The side effects without it were bad enough.  Plus most digestive medication can only aid so much.
 
      However, when I did eat dairy.  It was terirble.  It contributed to bad mentrual cycles.  It doesn't actually help my bones.  My joints feel better now that I don't eat it.  Because my body couldn'y absorb calcium in that form.  Almoind milk by silk is my preference for an alternative.  It tastes really good.  And has twice the calcium as regular milk.  Even calcium supplements break my skin out and cause my stomach to hurt.  Not to mention digestive issues.  Which dairy milk cheese doesn't help with any of them.  Especially acid refulx.  I was taking to many digestive medications.

      Being conscious of what I put into my body has made me resepect it.  Most blessings are disguies.  Things that were neccessary to learn.  With endo,  some of us have an allergy to dairy.  Some worse than others.  You know your body best.  I payed attention and took note of my reactions.  Even my doctors did.  It's been both challenging and exciting in my search for sustinence.  I am so much happier now that I have found foods that I enjoy.  That are vegan, dairy and soy free allergy friendly.  Discovering Daiya cheese is proably the best thing I've found on my journey.

     The pictures are of the mac n cheese made witht the shredded cheddar.  I had to make an infamous grilled cheese.  Made with local bakery Breadsmith wheat bread.  They both were extremly delicious.  My whole family enjoyed the mac 'n' cheese.  I ate two personal sized portions.  In one setting.  It was so good!  I am eager to discover more foods to enjoy!

Any suggestions for dairy and soy free cheese?

Hey Ladies.  Today I am reaching out.  Has any of my #endosisters found any cheese substitutes?  I've found a few.  Although I haven't tried to make my own yet.  I miss cheese dearly.  I'm not brave enough to eat it.  Even with the lactose pills.  I'm not really interested in dairy.  The thought of the side effects repulses me.  Please comment if you have any sugeestions for me.

Favorite Dairy and soy free ice cream

So Delicious makes incredibly delicious dairy and soy free ice cream.  The ice cream itself is made from coconut milk.  No white sugar either.  They have a huge variety for all allergies.  Check them out!

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is my favorite quick go to breakfast.  Made with cinnamon, apples, and flax seed.  It is delicious!  This will turn anyone into an oatmeal lover!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of Quaker oatmeal (any brand is fine.  I prefer to make quick oats.  Just a time preference)
• 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons of Salt (I always use sea salt of Himalayan)
• 1 tbsp of flax seed
• 1 small apple or Berries
• 1 cup of water
• small pot
• 1/2 tablespoon of honey or agave to sweeten

Directions:

1. Fill pot with 1 cup of water.  Bring to a rapid boil.
2. Once water is boiling, pour in oats.
3. Pour in 2 tsp of salt.  It is crucial, and will emliminate the need for butter.  However, you can use butter in place of salt. 
4. Cut up the amount of apples you like.  I usually use a whole small granny smith apple.
5. Let cook for about five minutes.  Or until it has reached the consistency that you like.
6. Pour in a bowl.  Mix in sweetener.  Place fruit on top.  And enjoy!

Update

          Hello to all of my followers.  Thank you all so much for reading my blog!  I still have many details about my jounrey that I am going to share with you.  Also, many more recipes, remedies, tips, and resources!  Thank you so much for the twitter and facebook follows/ adds.  I will create a new page to go along with the website.  I also will add you all from the new page.  The website is still under construction.  I have to raise more money for a better site for our online support group.  A temporary one will be up soon! I appreciate you all so much.  Please continue to share this blog.  Endometriosis awareness needs to be raised!  Thank you all so much for the support!  Happy Holidays!!

Nutrition and Food Allergies

Watching what you consume can significantly decrease some endometriosis symptoms.  I became aware of these signs after my diagnosis surgery.  I searched for many ways to alleviate pain, gas, heart burn, constipation and diahrreaha.  I stopped eating beef and pork years before I had any surgeries. Avoiding certain food can help with:

• Inflammation
• Bloating
• Gas
• Balance hormones
• Manage weight
• Reduce toxins

 After my diagnosis, I also cut out the following foods:

• Fried foods (I indulge every blue moon.  Since this causes the least amount of pain.  I also cook my french fries in the oven)
• Red meat, pork
• Starch
• Sugar
• White flour
• Dairy
• Soy
• All processed food (no fast food)
• Dark soda (except sprite, gingerale)
• Eggs

Below is a list of foods that are good to eat:

• Legumes, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, etc
• Almond milk to replace dairy and soy milk
• Seafood  (high in fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation)
• Fruits
• Vegetables (eat both lightly steamed and raw daily.  I enjoy making a veggie smoothie.  Where I combine most of my daily servings.  About 3-5 different types veggies)
• 1 gallon of water daily
• Brown, black or wild rice
• Oatmeal
• Oat flour, rice flour, almond meal
• Raw honey, agave

       Not comsuming beef and pork can improve digestion.  Also fried foods, to much starch.  Eating this way will ease digestive aches.  Also, you don't have to worry about calories or fiber.  Fiber is in most fruits and veggies.  Everything that we are supposed to eat.  You will be regular if you get nutrients and hydration.  Iron is also in dark green leafy veggies.  There is no cure for endometriosis.  However, you can improve your quality of life, by comsuming what your body needs.

        Your body will also become sensitive to eating bad foods.  Over time it will not allow you to comsume unhealthy foods.  Also, watching what you eat means there aren't many places who cater to no meat, no dairy, and no soy allergies lifestyles.  My family memebrs are witnesses.   I do not consume fastfood.  There are only a handful of resturants who can cater to these food allergies.  Many worry about what are they going to eat.  I have replaced many foods with alternatives.  Made my own versions of my favorite recipes.   The only meat I currently eat is seafood.  However, I will still upload recipes for people that do.  Which I will post for you to enjoy!

Castor Oil Pack

      Through my journey with endometriosis, I've found a few natural remedies along the way. They are quick and easy.  For menstrual cramps, gas pressure/bloating, castor oil packs work wonders.  I was introduced to them about four years ago.  They can be done frequently.  It promotes relaxation, circulation, and eases cramps.  DO NOT USE HOT WATER BOTTLE WITH CASTOR OIL IF YOU ARE ON YOUR MENSES.  CASTOR OIL PACKS ARE NOT TO BE USED ON MENSTRUAL CYCLE.  I also use this whenever I feel to much aching in my lower abdomen.  From my buddy endo of course.  I have also use whenever a cyst ruptures.

Benefits and Uses for castor oil:

• Reduces inflammation
• Increases circulation
• Repairs damaged tissue
• Pain relief
• Relieves constipation and gas

You'll need:
Castor oil ( I prefer black castor oil.  However, regular castor oil works well)
Hot water bottle
Two Towels (ones you don't mind getting oily)
Tea kettle, or small cooking pot

      Bring the water to a boil.  While it's boiling.  Prepare an area for you to lay down.  This usually puts me to sleep.  Once the water is boiling.  It's ready.  I prefer my hot water bottle to be really hot.  If this is your first time.  Please be careful, and add cold water to adjust the temperature of the bottle. Pour it in the hot water bottle slowly, and cautiously.  I also fill mines halfway.  To much water in the pouch makes my bladder uncomfortable.  The water can be heavy.

       Place the hot water bottle on the abdomen.     Place the hot water bottle on the lower abdomen, below the uterus.  On top of the towel.  Do not place directly on skin.  Use the towel as a barrier.  Wrap the plastic wrap around your entire waist.  Securing the HWB.  The plastic wrap is optional.  However, it is recommended for maximum effectiveness.   I know you all will get relief from your endo aches with this remedy.

Mango Sauce

     Even though this blog is my personal ranting page.  I'd also like to share some of my favorite quick recipes.  Eating healthy can minimize the effects of endometriosis.  This is my mango sauce recipe.  Mango's support the emotions.  Which helps having this condition.  I make this two or three times a week.  It's similar to homemade applesauce.  Only raw, and a few different ingredients.  It's quick and easy to make.

Items needed

• Good pairing knife
• Blender (I use a Nutribullet, type doesn't matter)
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 Mango
• 1 Lemon (amount depends on taste.  I love lemon, I use a lot.  It probably doesn't help my acid reflux LOL.)
• 1 tsp of Salt (I used himilayan, type depends on preference)
•  2 tsp of Agave (I don't use any sweetener if the mango is ripe.  It's usually sweet)
• Grapes, for tasty garnish

Directions

Cut the skin off the mango.  Next cut the mango into chunks.  So they blend easily.  Cut the lemon, and squeeze the amount of juice you'd like.  Next add the salt,  and agave.  Blend all of the ingredients together.   Scoop into a bowel, add the grapes.  Enjoy!

Battle of the Bulge

     There are many misconceptions about endometriosis and the women who have it.  Women like myself go through many strange circumstances. One of them is having an invisible illness.  Next is what people can see, they chose to ignore.

   Aside from the misconceptions. Which is manly ignorance. There are certain instances that make a woman with endo want to scream.  I always want to remain a lady.  Never loss my cool and modesty.  People being misinformed has lead me to to keep a lot to myself.  What I hold in are the many symptoms and residual side effects from endometriosis.  Endo also causes and is associated with the following:

•  IBS
•  gastrointestinal disorder
•  acid reflux
• diarrhea, nausea
• vomiting
• weight gain
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• mood swings/hormonal changes
• ovarian cysts
• PMS
• pain during and after intercourse
• painful bowel movements 
• painful urination
• heavy menstrual cycles
• infertility
• pelvic pain/chronic pelvic pain

      That's just to name a few.  It also causes abdominal bleeding.  Which comes from the scar tissue outside of the uterus. Adhesions also experience pain, rupture and bleed with me suffuse cycles.  The tissue reacts the same as it does in the uterus.  Me and my endo ladies that are stages 2-4 experience this monthly.  I have experienced all of the above.  I literally have to retain my reflexes.   From wanting to smack the hell out of people! 

     On top of the debilitating pain we experience in our abdomen.  That scar tissue not only hangs out on your internal organs.  But it loves sitting on nerves too.  We also experience sharp, shooting pain going down our thighs, legs, and feet.  Some women describe it as a stabbing pain.
 It is accompanied by PMS.  Women with endometriosis experience pain before, during, and after menstrual cycles.

     People on the outside looking in assume that we are lazy. That the battle of our bulge is only related to food.  That we women with endo should take time from busy painful lives.  To focus on our stomachs of all things.  Instead of or goals.  That endometriosis deviated us from.  I am speaking for everyone woman with endometriosis.  People are that low and inconsiderate.  The though sickens me.  The struggles on an endo girl are widely misunderstood.  There have been several endometriosis related suicides.  The bullying toward the bulge is brutal.  It comes from not only scar tissue, but many other ailments.  All of which are contained within the abdomen.

     I conceal mines in a cute way.  Disguising it with loose fitting tops.  However, they are also comfortable for me to wear.  The diagnose the disease through surgery.  Which involves blowing up the stomach with carbon dioxide.  So the doctors can see clearly.  Which is uncomfortable  By far the worst gas I've ever had in my life.  I could not breath.  My mother, brother, and father will tell you.  I would cry.  That plus asthma.

      We women are suppose to compliment on another.  Uplift each other.  Women who are concerned with what another woman looks like are insecure.  If you're so confident, there would be no need to address another woman's appearance.  It is October.  National Bully Prevention.  Take action year round.

     This post is for all my sisters who have ever felt ashamed of their tummys.  We are round and proud.  Society has distorted the image of real women.  Let alone women whose conditions have to do with their stomachs.  I think you are beautiful.  Share your stories with me.  On the bottom right side. Or email me at myendometriosisdiary@gmail.com.

The goal of this blog

      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.

Unveiling

      Hello World.  I am a young woman from Detroit, MI.  This blog is the unveiling of my battle with endometriosis.  I was diagnosed through my forth surgery.
   This forth surgery was an exploratory surgery.  Done at a prestigious local hospital.  The doctors there were kind of enough to have me evaluated by the best of their team.  Who'm were all there for the surgery.  In fact, I still see one of the doctors at the practice.  Seeing how it would cause more scar tissue.  But lets back up a bit.

    Here's the beginning of my journey of struggle with endo.  I believe, as well as every doctor that I have seen.  All agree that I've been dealing with this since my first menses.  Which I got at ten years of age.   My family and doctors agreed that it was also normal due to a family history.  Of early menses.

    Moving forward.  I had my first surgery. While transitioning into college.  It was a laparoscopy for a 10cm cyst.  On my left ovary.  I healed quickly.  Later that year, I had another laparoscopy for a cyst on my right ovary.  I went into shock.  And was carried into the emergency room.  I was in shock, could not speak or not walk.   I was sent home.  My concerned parents called the doctor.  My gynecologist said to come back in right away.  She checked the ER report.  I had a cyst 10cm, and the symptoms meant it was twisting.  Causing torsion.  They performed an emergency laparoscopy.  In attempt to drain the hemorrhagic cyst.
 
    I begged them to at least let m go home for thanksgiving.  I was released.  Still not feeling well.  I went back to ER a few weeks later.  Only to discover that there was another cyst growing on my left ovary.  And that the cyst on my right ovary didn't drain.  Since it was torsion.  They didn't want my ovary to die. From gang green.  No blood supply to the ovary.  So they decided to do surgery just before christmas.  The removed part of my right fallopian tube, and full ovary.  I was put on Lupron following these surgeries for three months.

  After a round of Lupron.  I was put on birth control.  To only have more pain.  After three surgeries in one year.  Attempting to transition into college, was difficult.  My parents took me to a specialist.  They decided to perform Davinci robotic surgery.  Which is very similar to a laparoscopy.  Only two more small incisions.  They discovered, I had endometriosis.  They removed and cauterized what they could.  It was stage IV.  All over my bowels, rectum.  Even, my intestines,  stomach, bladder.  I swore I was coughing up scar tissue.  While on Lupron.

    I was then put on Lupron for six months.  Followed by progesterone therapy.  Which I didn't do to well with.  I was then put on Lupron indefinielty. They switched it to monthly. Which, I felt like my body began to get used to the treatments. They insisted hormone ad back therapy.  Due to the severe weight loss.  And concern over my bones.  Which they also checked via bones density test.  I also cut out really bad foods.  Which I will discuss later.

   A year later.  After the doctor's switched up the Lupron dosages.  I had to have a fifth surgery.  I bleed for 56 days.  Doctors ignored it, until I couldn't walk.  They we're hesitant that another surgery would create more scar tissue.  The doctor trusted me, and did one anyway.  Thank God.  They discovered that my bowels we're wrapped up in my left ovary.  My only one left.  He was able to salvage it.

    I was told that in order to have children.  That I would need IVF.  Broke my heart.  It took me a few months to grieve.  For the hopes I had for my life.  I am strong because of it.  I would like to raise awareness about endometriosis.  Through this blog.  To provided a place where women can come to find solace, peace, and understanding.