Hi! New member.

[kirstinxox]

Hi everyone,

My name is Kirstin, I am 22 years old and I am new to this site!

I have my pre-op appointment on Tuesday, I think I am now just feeling a little lonely and anxious. I have had endo symptoms for around 8 years now, I have been told it is in my head and countless gyne doctors tell me I need to stop attention seeking... it was only in December 2019, I had to go to A&E during my placement due to how bad the pain was they took me seriously, all because I was wearing my student nurse uniform.

I am about 6 months from qualifying as a nurse, which I love, it is my dream job but it also comes along with a lot of pressure and stress and I have been having to take more and more time off work due to my pain getting worse. My family don't really understand, which I don't blame them at all, but, I just wanted to kinda know that I'm not alone, that I can voice my worries to a community which understands.

I hope everyone is well, I know it's been really difficult with covid and I hope you all have a merry Christmas when it comes

Much love,

Kirstin x

[kirstinxox]

Thank you ♥️

[Tinytina15]

I’m 22 also and had these symptoms since age 12/13, I’ve got my first doctors appointment on Tuesday to start talking about a gynaecology referral! so hopefully Tuesday goes well for both of us! You’re not alone, I only joined yesterday myself and already I feel like everyone here can relate or understand where I’m coming from. My family and friends don’t get it either, some of them think I’m being “extreme” and it can’t hurt that bad, sometimes only people going through the same thing can understand.

I’m sorry about your bad experience with doctors, that’s awful! I really hope Tuesday goes well for you and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas ☺️ Xx

[kirstinxox in reply to Tinytina15]

Thank you so much, it really does mean a lot. Good luck, for Tuesday too! Fingers crossed for some results for us both. I’m sorry your family don’t understand, I think it’s hard for others to get when they haven’t experienced it for themselves. If you ever need to talk, please feel free to message me anytime xx

[Tinytina15 in reply to kirstinxox]

Aw thank you! Fingers crossed! Yeah I think that’s what it is, I’ve had family members tell me I’m overreacting when I couldn’t stand up because the pain was so bad, they asked where the pain was To which i said “in my stomach”.. and they said “ so why aren’t your legs working” 😂 feel free to message me too! It’d be nice to have someone that understands and that I can relate too ☺️ Xx

[kirstinxox in reply to Tinytina15]

Thank you ❤️

[Lindle]

It is so important that the gynaecologist who does your lap has a special interest in diagnosing and treating endo. So find out who will be doing the lap and don't let them tell you any gynaecologist can do it. You can then check them out.

[kirstinxox in reply to Lindle]

Thank you! I will talk to them tomorrow😊

[moonlightskies]

Hi Kirstin! I've just made my account and saw your post which I really relate to, as well as the others in the comments. First of all massive kudos for training as a nurse, particularly this year – thank you for all your hard work ☺️

I've also had symptoms for about 8 years, but just got diagnosed. My family (mum) also doesn't understand which has also made me really lonely and upset – because why would we lie about the pain? As horrible as it is it's comforting to know I'm not alone and that we all have to learn to stand up for ourselves and not be emotionally pushed around.

All the best of luck with your pre-op appointment – if you want, let us know how it goes and then celebrate by taking some time out for yourself! All best xx

[kirstinxox in reply to moonlightskies]

Thank you so much❤️ It’s definitely hard when family don’t get it, always here if you ever want to talk. Xx

[Forest94]

It's not in your head and you are one of millions of us...

I gave birth last year and I would compare the penultimate stage of labour to the pain I used to experience with endo symptoms, it's extreeeeeeme. And what's horrible is you have to face that pain every month. Labour? Not so often.

Light at the end of the tunnel is your symptoms can be improved immensely (mine have from laparoscopy and having a child - although not advocating either until you are ready!)

Just make sure you let your gynae know how bad it really is, it can be easy to forget how debilitating it is in a Dr's office. If you can't leave your bed, it's a serious illness, and should be taken that way. Good luck!

[moonlightskies in reply to Forest94]

Thank you so much! I've definitely felt alone in this so it means everything to see other people talk about it. I'm hoping the symptoms can be improved by surgery, but am also cautious in case that's all the options that are given to me. xx