Understanding and Processing Your Diagnosis

Ladies, after being diagnosed, I began to feel this overwhelming sadness.  It would happen periodically, then all of the time.  A depressing feeling. Over time, I was reminded by family and my partner that I am not alone.
That is what I want you all to know.  That you aren't alone in your fight with endometriosis.  A doctor's diagnosis isn't always the "end all be all".  Do not allow it to make you feel sad for long.  Although it is normal, once diagnosed.  Just try to relax, and remember that life doesn't have to go as planned.
Your going to feel, empty and lonely from the fear of not being able to carry a child (if you haven't given birth already, not all women with endometriosis are infertile).  Use the love that you'd have for you own child and begin to share it with those you love.  My advice would be to give another child in your life the affection you would have for you own child. Yes, I know it isn't the same.  Giving love can help you heal. It will replace your sadness with overwhelming joy. Remember to take care of your body, by following the endometriosis diet, which has been scientifically proven to help with mental health.  Know that you are blessed to be a living testimony for other women battling endometriosis.

Instagram Artist Post On Endometriosis

        Instagram is full of talented people. Sharing their gifts with the world. While scrolling my feed one day. I came across an artist's post regarding endometriosis. The drawingg basically a man explaining to someone that his wife has endometriosis.  To an onlooker, a women with endometriosis pain can be viewed as exaggerated. I love this depiction because not everyone who is ill, looks it. Endometriosis also causes labor like pains. I also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. It's one of the reasons why I follow the endometriosis diet. Otherwise, the pain from scar tissue on my intestines, and bowels (I have Stage IV endometriosis),would leave me on the toilet all day. 
      Ugo Jesse also makes awareness posts on various health conditions. While also making drawings as advertisements. Some of his work is below.  
Check him out on instagram @ugojesse

The Lox in Detroit at Seva

   While grabbing a bite of food at Seva (located in Livonia, Ann Arbor & Detroit).  I was waiting for my carry out when this guy came and sat next to us.  Sparking up a conversation, while I was indulging in a cup of ginger tea. Once I was told to look up.  I noticed it was Style P, from the LOX.  It was 1/3 of the holy trinity sitting with us.  Also picking up his dinner.  He invited us to the show. Yet, I was in need of sleep. Plus time to grieve.  Yet, was very appreciative of the thought.

   He and Jadakiss are vegans.  They also own several juice bars in New York.  We spoke about them.  He seemed happy that I knew about them. They are serious about the healthy eating lifestyle and teaching people about the importance of it.  If any of you are near them or plan to visit New York.  Check out there juice bar!

Endometriosis Awareness Month

It's march.  All of my ends sisters know what this month means. We are apart of the spoon community.  We try our best to raise awareness via social media.  To let the world know that we will not be silenced.
  My diagnosis occurred after several surgeries.  In late summer of 2010.  My family was curious to know how I went from graduating and starting college.  To barely being able to walk from chronic pelvic pain.  Since my diagnosis, I've learned a lot.  Most importantly, how to eat, and take care of myself.

Pcos and the Bearded Lady

   Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder. Where the ovaries are abnormally large and multiple cysts grow on them.  Women can experience this at any age. It can be temporary for some.  Lifelong for others. A couple of the speculated causes are environmental or genetic.

Can cause symptoms such as                                                                                             

• hormonal imbalances
• irregular menses
• increase of facial hair growth
• infertility
• weight gain
• weight loss
• acne
• depression 

                                                

   One of the faces of PCOS is Harnaam Kaur.  She handles her conditions symptoms with confidence and ease.  She is the youngest female with a full beard. Yes, a fun beard.  It began coming in just after she hit puberty.  I once read that she tried to shave and wax it in the past. Yet, I get why she did't continue. The facial skin is sensitive, she'd still have stubble, and even bumps.  Still remnants after the beard was gone. Kaur began embracing her  facial hair.  For her mental health, and religious beliefs.  

   Kaur's beard is an extension of her PCOS. Of course she was ridiculed from ignorant people. Who weren't aware of the limits a woman body can push her.  Or that women with certain gynecological conditions can grow facial hair. Yet, she overcame it. She even walked the runway.  As the fashion industry also embraced her beauty. 

How women have lived with their periods since 1900

I do not own the rights to this video.  Yet was intrigued by the way they chronologically categorize their articles.  Regarding women.  In this video, they give a brief synopsis of how women have dealt with their periods since the 1900's.  Its a dainty video.  Which also highlights the stigma surrounded around women menstrual cycle's.  It gives information about how speaking about the moon cycle was forbidden by the media.  It wasn't until the 1980's that the media allowed for sanitary commercials to be aired.  Check out below

It brought us back to the current age where women are now using alternative products.  Due to the chemicals that can be found in some sanitary items. I referenced in my last post. Sanitary Alternatives Which you all can look forward to my alternative vlog post soon!  

Sanitary Alternatives

New vlog, will have details & display the many alternatives for tampons and pads.
Recent research has revealed that chemicals such as chlorine and dioxine can be found in sanitary products. These chemicals make our cycles heavier and cause severe cramps. Prolonged use may cause complications with fertility.
Remember my article on the Moldy tampon horror story? What a horror story. We as women have
a lot more options than what we were made aware of. Check out the upcoming Youtube video soon.  Detailing the alternatives.  Such as menstrual cups, organic tampons, sponges, novelty/reusuable sanitary napkins.   The options are almost endless.

What I ate today

   In this episode, there is old footage of a what I ate that day.  It consists of breakfast, snacks, and a nice sized dinner. This was a time when I was in total healing mode.  Doctor Sebi's recommendation is no meat or fish, only seeded fruits and veggies.  I decided to show everyone what I ate. I still eat that way when I am in the healing process. I fall off the diet here and there. Am currently off, because I am consuming fish maybe once or twice a month.
In the vlog there is a quick how to prepare vegetarian frozen crab cakes.

The directions are listed below.

Vegetarian crab cakes and fried Quinoa

You'll need
A frying pan
1 teaspoon of olive oil & canola oil
1 garlic clove
1 mango
spanish paprika
ground mustard
pepper
himalayan pink salt
Coconut aminos)
mustard
honey
coconut vinegar

Allow for each item to defrost completely.  While the items unthaw, begin dicing up mango, then garlic clove.
Then take 1 tbsp of liquid mustard, 2 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of coconut vinegar
a pinch of mustard powder
a pinch of salt & pepper to the mustard.  Then set aside for completed dish.

Items should be completely defrosted at this point. Now it's time to turn on the skillet and place oil in pan on med-high heat. Season crab cakes with recommended herbs. Then place them in the skillet once it it hot. Flip over once the bottom half is golden brown.  Once the other side is golden brown.  Take them out of the skillet and set aside.  Next clean pan.  Then turn on to high heat and add oil.  Once skillet is hot, pour quinoa into skillet.  Then add garlic and other spices, all except the mustard powder to the quinoa.  Then add in mango, and 1 tbsp of coconut aminos.  Allow for the quinoa to cook like a fried rice would. On high heat for about 10 minutes.  You want some of the quinoa to have that golden color as well. Then turn the stove off. Place food aside to cool. Finally plate the food. Drizzle with honey d'jon mustard.